The string of summer music festivals continues with the Mostly Mozart festival in New York City presented annually by Lincoln Center. Already in full swing (the festival runs from July 25-August 23) there are two concerts in the wings that are of particular interest. Though I’m never one for concerts only highlighting the work of one composer (especially one whose works are already well represented in the standard repertoire), exceptions can be made for two contemporary composers who are rarely programed.

August 17th will feature an all Sofia Gubaidulina program (buy tickets here), featuring the International Contemporary Ensemble. They’ll perform Gubaidulina’s Trio; Sotto Voce; quasi hoquetus; and Meditation on the Bach Chorale “Vor deinen Thron tret ich hiermit”:

August 19 will again feature the International Contemporary Ensemble, this time performing the works of Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir.  The program will include Intro-Second Self; Shades of Silence; and In the Light of Air:

Disappointing to not see historical women included in the numerous concerts and events in this year’s Festival  (and why not also inclusion, or at very least mention, of the fabulous stage work that just completed its run in NYC based on the life of Mozart’s sister?).  Though there is clearly more work to be done to bring the work of women of the past into the light, it is heartening to see contemporary works being featured this year, especially the works of Thorvaldsdottir, whose work is new to me.