Insula Orchestra International Women's Day Concert, Barbican

The strikingly original but rarely heard music of French composer Louise Farrenc will feature in a special concert marking International Women’s Day at the Barbican on Thursday 8 March.

The fervour of Farrenc's ardent music, admired by Berlioz and Schumann, is matched by the passion with which she is supported by conductor Laurence Equilbey and her Insula Orchestra, who travel from Paris for this eagerly-awaited event.

While Farrenc's work as composer, virtuoso pianist and teacher was on a par with that of her male contemporaries, it was only after the premiere of her splendid Nonet (1849), when players included the virtuoso violinist Joseph Joachim, that she requested – and received – equal pay.

Farrenc’s turbulent Third Symphony forms the centrepiece of the evening, alongside Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, which features Alexandra Conunova (violin), Natalie Clein (cello) and Alice Sara Ott (piano).

This is a concert to enjoy on so many levels – and on this day of all days.

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At 6pm, ticket-holders can hear some of Farrenc’s chamber music, presented by players drawn from the orchestra, at a free Barbican event.