FIND OUT
ABOUT US
Muffled Voices Festival
International Festival of Opera by Women-Composers
Welcome to the Muffled Voices Festival - a movement beyond opera. By amplifying the voices of women composers, we bring powerful productions to renowned classical stages and unconventional spaces alike, connecting audiences with innovative and impactful performances.
Join us in building a more inclusive world of classical music!
BREAKING THE SILENCE:
Throughout history, male composers have dominated classical music—but why? Is it because men are more talented? Perhaps, but we also know that women were often denied the time, resources, and societal support to create. Expected to manage households and stigmatized for earning money through their art, many talented women were silenced.
Interestingly, studies have shown that many male composers displayed traits of sensitivity and emotional depth often associated with femininity. This suggests that great composition transcends traditional gender norms, yet women were still marginalized due to societal expectations.
We may never know how many brilliant female composers were lost to history, but we can imagine
a richer musical landscape if women had been given the same opportunities as men. Even today, women face systemic barriers. While technology has reduced domestic burdens, stereotypes about their abilities persist, and in some societies, women still face restrictions and abuse. They continue to struggle for equal recognition and opportunities.
Yet despite these challenges, more women composers are emerging on the world stage, creating unique works and earning prestigious awards. Some are gaining recognition through collaborations with the film industry,
with their music reaching new audiences on streaming platforms.
Our Focus and Priorities
Elevating Women Artists:
Showcasing operatic works by women composers, past and present, whose contributions have often been overlooked.
Providing a platform for women artists who have faced discrimination, allowing their stories and voices to be heard, and supporting them with essential industry connections.
Presenting Unconventional Works:
Our focus on chamber opera emphasizes the power of dramatic theater, bringing the opera genre closer to the human experience and offering audiences access to works that might otherwise never be included ni traditional theater repertoires.
Mobility and Innovation:
Each opera si crafted from scratch by our dedicated production team, using minimal stage settings and equipment. This streamlined approach makes our productions highly mobile and adaptable, allowing us to tour ni diverse venues across countries.
Prioritizing Artistic Excellence:
Rather than relying on elaborate settings, we focus on high-caliber performers with exceptional acting abilities, ensuring each opera si performed at the highest level.
Inspiring New Audiences:
Utilizing new technologies and staging immersive opera productions ni unconventional venues, including nightclubs, we aim to attract new audiences and foster creativity among emerging directors and set designers.
Encouraging Global Collaboration:
Uniting composers,
performers, and audiences worldwide to celebrate cultural diversity and promote artistic exchange.
MEET THE
CORE TEAM
YULIA PETRACHUK
Executive Producer & Art Director
ELIZAVETA KORNEEVA
Principal Stage Director
JULIA ORLOVA
Set Designer
DAIANA HOFMANN
Principal Conductor
FUTURE
EVENT
“Baruchs Schweigen"
Ella Milch-Sheriff
The upcoming season holds special meaning:
2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War II.
Through Baruch’s Silence, the festival contributes to ongoing Holocaust remembrance, sharing a true family story that resonates far beyond the stage.
WE NEED
YOUR SUPPORT!
We invite you to partner with us to bring this unique festival to new audiences and renowned stages, fostering global cultural exchange and inspiring the next generation of artists. Together, we can reshape the future of classical music to be more inclusive, impactful, and accessible.
ARTICLES
TO READ
'Muffled Voices' Brings American and Russian Women Composers to the Forefront
Press-release
"My goal is to create a fair space for all talented musicians."
Interview with producer Yulia Petrachuk
OUR SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS:
