Swedish vocal quartet Åkervinda among highlights in annual radio festival on ABC Classic
ABC Classic's annual Festival of Female Composers will feature Swedish vocal quartet Åkervinda among its highlights this year.
ABC Classic is gearing up to celebrate a decade of the Festival of Female Composers in 2026, an event that honors music crafted by women over centuries, coinciding with International Women’s Day. This annual festival, which started in 2016, has become a significant platform for showcasing female talent within the classical music sphere, and will take place from March 6 to 8, 2026, emphasizing an exclusive lineup of music created by female composers. The festival will be marked by three notable live concert recordings, referred to as "super concerts," that highlight the stellar performances of female artists. This concert series aims to not only entertain but also to educate listeners about the impact and contributions of women in the world of classical music, further reinforcing the network's commitment to gender representation in the arts. A particular highlight of the festival includes a live performance by the Swedish vocal quartet Åkervinda on International Women's Day, March 8, in collaboration with presenter Stéphanie Kabanyana Kanyandekwe. Additionally, the festival will include the return of the beloved Hilda-thon, featuring an extensive four-hour broadcast dedicated to the works of Hildegard von Bingen, a revered twelfth-century composer and mystic, enhancing the festival's aim of celebrating female artistry throughout history.