Esther Abrami: Classical Sisterhood

“One of the greatest ways to move things forward in terms of equality between men and women is for women to support each other,” violinist Esther Abrami tells Apple Music Classical. Abrami’s playlist, Classical Sisterhood, shines a light on music composed and performed by women—“wonderful musicians,” she adds, “that I admire and want to support.” Abrami begins with a very personal work: her first ever composition, Transmission, scored for violin and orchestra. And we hear music by three artists that have shared studio time with Abrami: composer-pianists Olivia Belli, Eydís Evensen and Rachel Portman. “I find there is a positivity in all Rachel’s melodies,” says Abrami. “When I listen to her music, I experience pure joy, and she has been a wonderful inspiration for my own composition.” There’s a Nocturne by Lili Boulanger, courtesy of violinist Janine Jansen, and Amy Beach’s Impressionistic By the Still Waters, played by pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. Plus, you can hear music by two giants of 19th-century Germany—Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn. “I believe in sisterhood,” says Abrami. And that’s a credo we can all subscribe to.