Chords and Queens

On today’s podcast, we’re joined by the wonderful performer, writer, and educator Dr. Amy Schumaker Bliss. We explore her journey playing the euphonium, her experiences navigating sexism as a brass player, and her career as both a teacher and performer with the likes of the Athena Brass Band. Amy also shares the inspiration behind her children’s book Amy’s Brass Band and discusses the meaningful ways we can support more women entering the brass world whether that be as performers, composers or audience members. Amy’s Website: https://www.amybliss.netInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyschumakerbliss/?hl=en-gbMentioned in the Episode: Level Up - Charlie Drew Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHvHuMfXaFEFaustbuch - Elizabeth Raum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3e0UcI-HeYLuminaires - Lucy Pankhurst https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKmKaOFtLJEInspired by Blue - Andrea Robinson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmrmNHFve3ERock Hopper - Gail Robertson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5cDvlAMna4Woman - Esther Abrami https://youtu.be/zamyJwH7K3c?si=4TWdXvKJK-q9IL95Books: Voices for Change In The Classical Music Profession: https://academic.oup.com/book/45618Composing Herself: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Composing-Herself-Before-Allowed-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0FXSBK3NJBlogs / Online Resources: Its Not a Trumpet Blog https://www.itsnotatrumpet.comThe Boulanger Initiative: https://www.boulangerinitiative.orgThe Institute For Composer Diversity: https://www.composerdiversity.comInternational Women Brass Conference: https://myiwbc.orgDiversify the Stand: https://www.diversifythestand.orgBrass Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5qOSlIyoFaUkuF3HtEXUJz?si=1qbEoq1VTymymxSLrWObugComposers: Ingebjorg Vilhelmsen: https://www.ingebjorgvilhelmsen.com✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

On today’s episode we recap some of my favourite books and music of 2025. From learning about the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz to listening to the classical pop takeover, I share with you my thoughts and findings on some of my favourite artistic finds of the year. 

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on: 
Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens
TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ 
Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

I’m so honoured to be joined by Katie Rowan, founder of the Ina Boyle Society and a relative of the remarkable Irish composer Ina Boyle. Katie shares the story behind the creation of the Society, the inspiration that drives its work, and reflects on Ina’s music and enduring legacy. We also look ahead to what’s next for Ina Boyle’s music, and discuss how we can all support the Society and help shape a stronger future for women composers in Ireland and beyond. 

The Ina Boyle Society: 
https://www.inaboyle.org

Ina Boyle Songbook: 
https://www.chimesmusic.com/Products/selected-songs-5.html

Ina Boyle Biography: 
https://www.inaboyle.org/new-page-2 

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on: 
Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens
TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ 
Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

In this episode, we dive into why orchestras and baroque drama seem to be appearing in the pop charts. From Rosalía’s hit album ‘LUX’ to Charli XCX’s track for the Wuthering Heights film ‘House’, we unpack how classical sounds are sneaking back into the charts and are listeners craving something more “human”? Is this revival a reaction against the polished AI-generated music we’ve been hearing more recently? 

🎵Recommended Listening: 

Laufey: Proof that Classical Music Still Speaks to Gen Z
https://youtu.be/QHqH3AVWHOU?si=UUCGtj885fpifpRo

Rosalía - Berghain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htQBS2Ikz6c

Charli XCX - House 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgp7wlBfASA

✨New Episodes Every Monday✨

Let’s Get Social 📱

For more Classical Queens, follow us on: 
Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueens
TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ 
Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens

EDIT: Ina's only opera, Maudlin of Paplewick, was completed in 1964 (not 1966) and is set to a libretto by Ben Jonson (not Edith Somerville).
In this episode, we uncover the life and work of Ina Boyle (1889–1967), one of Ireland’s most remarkable composers. Living most of her life in the quiet countryside, Boyle composed symphonies, choral works, and chamber music at a time when few women were recognised in classical music. Join us as we explore how Boyle’s resilience, artistry, and devotion to her craft helped shape Irish classical music, and why her music deserves to be heard today. 🎵Recommended Listening: Symphony No.1 Glencree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_n34JV5aGAConcerto for Violin and Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFAd9Xst1wg Elegy for Cello and Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oixze9lvhtcThe Magic Harphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5N9vKoX66w✨New Episodes Every Monday✨Let’s Get Social 📱For more Classical Queens, follow us on: Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ChordsandQueensTikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@chordsandqueens⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chordsandqueens?igsh=eGlkYWgyN3hmMnhm&utm_source=qr⁠ Substack: https://substack.com/@chordsqueens