WQXR calls on Julia Adolphe for International Women’s Day inspiration
In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8th), New York’s WQXR asked eleven composers about the most influential women in their professional lives. At the top of the list is USC Thornton doctoral candidate Julia Adolphe (MM ’12), who spoke about the influence of composers Sofia Gubaidulina and Paola Prestini, as well as her mother, architect Adrian Grad.
“Gubaidulina stayed true to her voice despite constant discouragement and discrimination, and has become one of the most important composers of contemporary music,” said Adolphe. “Paola Prestini, also a gifted composer and artistic director of National Sawdust, continues to impress and motivate me to pave my own way in the field of music.”
Adolphe premiered a viola concerto, commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and composed especially for violist and Thornton alumna Cynthia Phelps (’78), last year. Next season, she will premiere an orchestral commission with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as part of the ensemble’s centennial celebrations.