Coming up in Philly music: A spotlight for American women

Concerts devoted to women composers have become a standard feature of the music scene, but you can be confident the Dolce Suono Ensemble will add some extra zip to the concept with their Women Pioneers of American Music on January 24.

For Dolce Suono’s concert showcasing American women composers, past and present, the headline item will be the premiere of a new trio for flute, cello, and piano by Jennifer Higdon, presented in conjunction with Opera Philadelphia’s production of Higdon’s new opera, Cold Mountain. The names on the composers’ roster include Amy Beach (past) and the dynamic Andrea Clearfield (present). The performers will include soprano Sarah Shafer, pianist Charles Abramovic, and, of course, Dolce Suono’s artistic director and guiding spirit, flutist Mimi Stillman. You may or may not like all the music on this program. That’s the chance you take when you sample new and unfamiliar pieces. But you’ll never hear it better performed.

Women Pioneers of American Music will take place on Sunday, January 24 at 3pm at the Field Concert Hall at the Curtis Institute of Music, 18th and Locust Streets, Philadelphia. Tickets ($30 for general admission, $25 for seniors, and $10 for students) can be purchased online, by calling 267-252-1803, or at the door.