International Women’s Day: An Interview with Lucy Farrimond

8th March 2025

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are sharing a series of three interviews with recent Chetham’s alumni who are making their mark in the music world.

First, we speak with Lucy Farrimond (Chetham’s, 2015–17), a freelance lyric soprano, composer, and dedicated advocate for female musicians. In this interview, Lucy reflects on her time at Chetham’s, her journey towards championing women composers, and the progress still needed for true gender equality in music. From performing overlooked works to composing pieces that amplify women’s voices, Lucy’s career is a testament to the power of representation and advocacy in the arts.

Can you tell us about your music practice?

I am a freelance lyric soprano and composer, with my performance work centred around oratorios, operas, and recitals. As a composer, I have a growing catalogue of works and primarily compose on a commission basis. In addition to performing and composing, I also teach piano, singing, and composition privately.

During your time at Chetham’s, did you study and perform works by female composers?

When I first arrived at Chetham’s, I was still new to advanced musical training and had little knowledge of female composers. The first I encountered was Cécile Chaminade (1857–1944), introduced to me by my piano teacher, Jonathan Middleton. He encouraged me to learn her Étude de Concert, ‘Automne’ (Op. 35, No. 2), a piece I still perform today. This discovery sparked a deeper interest in female composers, particularly from the Belle Époque, such as Nadia (1887–1979) and Lili Boulanger (1893–1918).

Looking back, female composers were notably absent from academic studies. At the time, the A-level syllabus featured little to no works by women, and the repertoire we studied and performed was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Since students often brought their own pieces to work on in classes, music by female composers rarely appeared unless we actively sought it out. However, I was fortunate to perform works by my female peers in concerts organised by the composition department. I remain grateful to Dr. Jeremy Pike and Gavin Wayte for their encouragement during that time.

One particularly memorable experience was premiering Voices of Remembrance (2016) by Laura Rossi with the vocal department at Manchester Cathedral – likely the first vocal work by a female composer I had the opportunity to perform.

How do you showcase historical and living female composers and musicians through your own work?

I have always made it a priority to highlight female composers, both in my performances and compositions. My debut album, set for release in October 2025, will feature 20th-century English song, including works by Muriel Herbert (1897–1984), alongside my own chamber compositions and arrangements.

In 2022, I was honoured to win the International Category of the George Shirley Competition in Michigan with a piece by living female composer Maria Thompson Corley. I also performed her work in the final of the Williams Howard Memorial Prize at the Royal Northern College of Music, where I received high commendation. Both competitions champion underrepresented composers, and it was a privilege to explore such exciting repertoire.

As a composer, I was commissioned to write for Voices of Women, a 2023 charity concert celebrating female composers. My piece, HER VOICE, was written for six female voices and explored themes of identity and empowerment. I also performed as a vocalist in the concert, singing works by Cécile Chaminade and Annabel Rooney. HER VOICE was later performed again in 2024 at EMPOWER, an event held at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation. EMPOWER is a fantastic initiative that I highly encourage others to explore and support.

What challenges and opportunities do you encounter as a woman working in music?

Being a woman in music comes with both challenges and opportunities. One of the biggest challenges is the lingering perception that there is only limited ‘space’ for female composers. Programming often treats their works as separate or niche rather than integrating them equally with male composers – a dynamic similar to the way women’s football has gained recognition but still lacks true parity.

Female composers also struggle with visibility in academic syllabi and concert programming, making it harder for emerging talents to gain the exposure they deserve. However, there are increasing opportunities within today’s musical landscape. Initiatives like EMPOWER and other organisations dedicated to showcasing underrepresented voices are helping to create a more supportive network for women in the industry.

The growing focus on gender equality in music has also opened new doors for collaboration, performance, and funding specifically aimed at female composers and musicians. By continuing to support and uplift one another, we can help pave the way for future generations of women in music.

What does progress towards a more equitable landscape for women in music look like?

True progress would mean seeing a more diverse range of composers programmed regularly in major concert halls – not just on occasions like International Women’s Day, but throughout the year.

Another key step is increasing the number of female applicants to music programmes, including undergraduate and master’s courses. This could be supported through outreach and mentorship initiatives that encourage young women and girls to pursue composition as a viable career path.

Ultimately, progress means ensuring that women’s contributions to music are valued year-round, and that female artists feel empowered to pursue their careers without barriers. By actively promoting inclusivity and supporting women’s voices in all areas of music, we can move towards a more equitable future.

What advice can you give to young women and girls at the start of their musical journeys?

My advice would be to trust in the uniqueness of your voice and the value of your perspective. No matter the circumstances, there is always space for you and your music in the world. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from established musicians in the field you aspire to join; they were once in your position and can offer invaluable insights. Remember, we all need help every now and then along the way!

Tags: AlumnicompositionInternational Women's Day