Lyrica Classic Entertainment

?? Mahatma Gandhi: Advocate for Justice and Equality ?? Mahatma Gandhi, known for leading India’s independence movement, also advocated for equality and education for all, including women. He believed every individual had the right to contribute fully to society. In Gandhi’s time, women like Saraswati Devi, one of India’s first female film composers, defied societal norms to create groundbreaking work. At the Muffled Voices Festival, we honor Gandhi’s commitment to justice by amplifying voices that have long been overlooked. ?? Equity isn’t just about fairness—it’s about ensuring everyone has the chance to shine. #MuffledVoicesFestival #MahatmaGandhi #EquityInMusic #JusticeForAll

?? Charles Fourier: A Visionary for Social Progress ?? A French philosopher and early feminist, Charles Fourier believed that society’s progress depended on treating everyone as equals. His radical ideas inspired movements for justice and equity. In his time, composers like élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre managed to achieve recognition, but she was an exception in a world where most women’s talent was overlooked. At the Muffled Voices Festival, we strive to create a world where talent is nurtured, not excluded. ?? Fourier’s vision reminds us that equity drives progress—for everyone. #MuffledVoicesFestival #CharlesFourier #EquityInMusic #SocialJustice

?? Wendell Phillips: The Voice of Justice ?? This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate not just love but the courage to stand up for others. Wendell Phillips, a 19th-century abolitionist and orator, fought tirelessly for equality. He believed that a society thrives when every voice is heard and valued. Imagine a world where women like Maria Anna Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sister, were free to share their talent without limits. Maria Anna, a child prodigy, had the gift of genius, but societal norms silenced her creative voice. ?? At the Muffled Voices Festival, we carry forward Phillips’s vision of justice by amplifying voices once relegated to the shadows. Because love isn’t just about romance—it’s about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to shine. ? This Valentine’s Day, let’s honor the voices that deserve to be heard. #MuffledVoicesFestival #WendellPhillips #MariaAnnaMozart #EquityInMusic #LoveAndJustice #ValentinesDay

???? Theodore Roosevelt: Fighting for Fairness ?? As the 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt supported women’s suffrage and believed fairness was essential for a strong society. He understood that justice meant creating opportunities for all. In classical music, leadership roles like conducting were almost entirely closed to women. Even in the 20th century, pioneers like Antonia Brico had to fight for recognition. At the Muffled Voices Festival, we celebrate those breaking barriers and imagine a world where equity has no limits. ?? Roosevelt’s belief in justice inspires us to elevate every talented individual, regardless of gender. #MuffledVoicesFestival #TheodoreRoosevelt #EquityInLeadership #MusicAndJustice

?? Frederick Douglass: A Leader for Equality for All ?? As an abolitionist and reformer, Frederick Douglass championed universal suffrage, advocating for the rights of women and marginalized communities alike. He famously said, “Right is of no sex. Truth is of no color.” In Douglass’s time, brilliant musicians like Clara Schumann were told their work didn’t belong in public. Despite this, Clara’s compositions continue to inspire. At the Muffled Voices Festival, we honor those who fought for justice and those who dared to create. ?? Equity is about embracing every voice, every talent. Together, we can achieve true progress. #MuffledVoicesFestival #FrederickDouglass #ClaraSchumann #EquityAndJustice

?? John Stuart Mill: Champion for Justice and Equality ?? A 19th-century philosopher and politician, John Stuart Mill was one of the first men to publicly advocate for women’s suffrage. He believed a just society could only be achieved when everyone, regardless of gender, had the freedom to contribute. In Mill’s time, composers like Fanny Mendelssohn faced immense barriers, with her music often published under her brother Felix’s name. At the Muffled Voices Festival, we ask: What if talent had always been valued equally? How many voices have we missed? ?? Equity isn’t just for women—it’s for everyone. Let’s honor Mill’s legacy by creating a future where every voice matters. #MuffledVoicesFestival #JohnStuartMill #EquityInMusic #FannyMendelssohn

?? World Premiere: “Professor Dowell’s Head” by Tatiana Chudova ?? A gripping fusion of science fiction and opera, “Professor Dowell’s Head” is a fantasy mini-mono-opera for bass-baritone and piano, inspired by Alexander Belyaev’s 1925 sci-fi horror classic. ? Performed by bass Denis Sedov and pianist Karina Pogosbekova ?? Venue: Zaryadye Hall, Moscow This world premiere was staged as part of the Muffled Voices Festival, directed by Elizaveta Korneeva with set design by Varvara Timofeeva. The performance brought Chudova’s haunting music to life, exploring the chilling tale of a scientist’s disembodied head and delving into profound questions of science, morality, and existence. #MuffledVoicesFestival #TatianaChudova #ProfessorDowellsHead #WorldPremiere #ScienceFictionOpera #WomenInOpera

?? World Premiere: “Russian Women” by Tatiana Chudova ?? A powerful chamber opera, “Russian Women” tells the moving story of Princesses Trubetskaya and Volkonskaya, who followed their husbands into Siberian exile. Inspired by the poetry of Pushkin, Nekrasov, and Decembrist poets, this opera explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and resilience. ? Through ten poignant sketches for two soloists and piano, Chudova takes us on a journey of arrests, heart-wrenching farewells, the grueling road to Siberia, and the emotional reunion at the penal colony. ?? Performed by: Soprano Yulia Petrachuk Contralto Olga Nadezhdina Pianist Karina Pogosbekova ?? Venues: Moscow International House of Music & Yaroslavl Dobrynin Palace of Culture This world premiere, part of the Muffled Voices Festival, was directed by Elizaveta Korneeva with set design by Varvara Timofeeva. It shone a light on the strength and courage of women, past and present, ensuring their stories are heard and remembered. #MuffledVoicesFestival #TatianaChudova #RussianWomen #WomenInOpera #OperaForChange

?? World Premiere: “Tatiana’s Dream” by Tatiana Chudova ?? A mono-mini opera for soprano, quintet, and electronic sound, “Tatiana’s Dream” brings to life the most mystical and symbolic episode from Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin. ?? Performed by: Mezzo-soprano Aleksandra Kovalevich Piano Quintet led by pianist Karina Pogosbekova ?? Venues: Moscow International House of Music & Zaryadye Hall, Moscow This world premiere was directed by Elizaveta Korneeva with set design by Varvara Timofeeva as a part of the Muffled Voices Festival. Audiences were mesmerized by its innovative blend of classical and electronic music, a true showcase of Chudova’s genius. #MuffledVoicesFestival #TatianaChudova #TatianasDream #WorldPremiere #WomenInOpera #EugeneOnegin

The inaugural Muffled Voices Festival paid tribute to the remarkable legacy of Tatiana Chudova, a pioneering Russian composer. ?? Festival's first season commemorated the 80th anniversary of her memory, staging four of her operas for the very first time. #MuffledVoicesFestival #TatianaChudova #WomenInOpera #OperaForChange #ClassicalMusicLegends