Who is Heard? Age, Gender, Belonging, and ‘Genius’ Music

This lecture-recital, as part of Dr Judith Valerie Engel’s doctoral degree requirement, explores how ideas of ‘genius,’ meritocracy, and success shape—and often constrain—the careers of contemporary women composers. Drawing on her thesis research with members of the Association of Canadian Women Composers, Dr Engel’s talk brings together critical reflection and live music performance.

The lecture examines ongoing structural and cultural challenges in the field of composition, including experiences of discrimination, the legacy of #MeToo, and the persistence of exclusionary narratives around artistic ‘genius.’ Particular attention is given to the intersection of age and gender, such as the systemic ageism embedded in age-restricted competitions and calls for scores. At the same time, the lecture-recital highlights how women composers are redefining and reclaiming their creative identities, reshaping what it means to compose and to succeed on their own terms.

The program features live musical examples by Elinor Dunsmuir—Canada’s (mostly) undiscovered gay icon of Classical music—whose work offers a compelling historical perspective on the modes of dismissal that have long shaped the reception of women composers. Dr Engel will be joined by members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the classically-trained singer Shani Cohen.

Light refreshments will be served after the performance.

Dr Judith Valerie Engel is an Austrian concert pianist, musicologist, and feminist scholar. In 2025 she completed a DPhil in Historical Musicology at the University of Oxford as a Stone-Mallabar Music Scholar at Christ Church (College). Currently, she is finishing up a DMA at the University of British Columbia as a member of the university’s Public Scholars initiative, and funded by the Infrastructure and Integration Lab at the Department of Sociology.

Shani Cohen’s rich, powerful mezzo-soprano voice is comfortable whether on the opera stage, the concert hall, or the synagogue sanctuary. She has been serving as the cantor of Temple Sholom synagogue in Vancouver since 2021. She holds a Master of Sacred Music and Cantorial Ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York (2021) and a Master of Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Houston (2013).  Past credits include Marcellina (Le Nozze di Figaro), Giulietta (Les Contes D’Hoffman), Tisbe (La Cenerentola), Kara Sondstromm (Frau Margot), and Vera Boronel (The Consul). Recently, she has performed with the Vancouver Opera Chorus, Northwestern University, Opera Lirica, the Chutzpah! Festival, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, and Temple Sholom synagogue.

Domagoj Ivanovic moved to Canada in 2007, after graduating with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Violin Performance at the University of Miami. Currently, he is the Division Chair of the Violin Department at the Vancouver Academy of Music and Co-Director of the Vancouver Chamber Players Chamber music series. Originally from Zagreb, Croatia, he began studying violin at the age of seven. As a soloist, he appeared with several orchestras, most notably with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and the Miami Symphony Orchestra. Described as a player with “clear technique and great sensitivity,” he has performed all over Europe and North America, as well as China, Taiwan, and Singapore. 
 

David Lakirovich was born in Brisbane, Australia, and started his violin studies at the age of three with his father, Jacob Lakirovich. He completed his Undergraduate Degree at Roosevelt University and his Master’s Degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music.  He has performed in many recitals and concerts throughout the world, including numerous solo performances. A passionate chamber musician and educator, David Lakirovich is currently on faculty at the Vancouver Academy of Music and the VSO School of Music. David joined the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as the new Assistant Concertmaster at the beginning of the 2018/19 season.
 

Eva Lakirovich is a dynamic and accomplished cellist recognized for her artistry, versatility, and commitment to education. She began studying the cello at the age of six with her mother, and holds a Bachelor of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a Master of Music from Carnegie Mellon University. An active performer specializing in chamber music and recital work, Eva appears regularly in concert throughout the year. Deeply committed to mentorship and artistic development, Eva maintains a full studio at the Vancouver Academy of Music. She also serves on faculty at the Vancouver Island Music Academy and the Cremona International Music Academy, performing and mentoring students from around the world. 

Jacob van der Sloot, viola (biography coming soon)