Watch: CCM alum Kathleen Shimeta discusses composer Gena Branscombe and promoting equity in music

Presented as part of 'CCM Speaks,' led by the UC Alumni Association

Watch the latest alumni guest lecture presented as part of CCM Speaks, a new series led by the UC Alumni Association.

In the third installment of CCM Speaks, UC College-Conservatory of Music alum Kathleen Shimeta (MM '79) presents "Bringing Back Branscombe: A Woman Composer Lost – Now Found."

A musician, music researcher and writer, Shimeta has enjoyed a singing career performing art songs, chamber music, oratorio and opera. As a strong advocate for contemporary American composers, she has premiered works written for her by late 20th and 21st-century composers. For over 20 years, Shimeta has championed the music of Canadian-American composer Gena Branscombe through a variety of projects that have been celebrated and shared in performance and historic venues across the country. Shimeta received her Bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn., and her Master of Music degree from CCM.

Watch her lecture below.

Lecture summary: This is the story of how the search for one art song — a setting of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poem composed by a Canadian-American woman named Gena Branscombe — would change Kathleen Shimeta's career.

From that one art song a new and unexpected journey began. It included many interesting adventures such as a CD of Gena Branscombe songs; co-authoring and performing a one-woman show about her life and music; presenting Branscombe-themed lecture recitals and concerts; sharing her work through radio and podcast interviews; and ultimately co-founding The Gena Branscombe Project, a non-profit that honors the composer’s legacy and promotes equity in music by uplifting voices of all music professionals in the U.S. and beyond.

Shimeta took a chance by reintroducing Branscombe to the classical music world and championing a woman composer who was famous in her day but then forgotten. Bringing back Branscombe became Shimeta's mission and passion and she hopes to inspire others to rediscover, support and champion women composers, thus broadening our understanding of music history.

Produced by CCM Recording Productions

  • Camera: Davison Black, Aislin Moss-Buckley
  • Lighting: Aislinn Moss-Buckley, Annie Thompson
  • Sound: Annie Thompson
  • Editor: Davison Black

The second installment of CCM Speaks, featuring CCM alum Evan Gidley discussing creating connections through participatory art, is also available for on-demand viewing.

Stay Connected

CCM's dynamic and influential alumni network includes over 14,500 artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, researchers, leaders and professionals around the world. The support of our generous alumni financially, or through the donation of your time and talent provides an exceptional experience for our current students and fosters a culture of excellence at the college. 

Are you ready to engage with CCM? Find your niche as an engaged and active alumna or alumnus by coming to social events, returning to campus for a performance or master class, volunteering, networking or giving back to the college. Continue your relationship with us beyond graduation.

Learn more about upcoming ways to get involved. 


Featured image at top: Pan's Fountain in CCM's Alumni Gardens. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand

Related Stories

2

See a concert or show at CCM: Fall schedule of major events now available

August 15, 2023

Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)! The college’s fall 2023 schedule of ticketed events is now available; tickets are on sale beginning 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15 through the CCM Box Office website.

3

CCM shares spring 2023 schedule of major performances and events

November 22, 2022

Audiences are invited to return to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) concert halls and theaters to experience world-class performances and presentations by the next generation of performing and media artists! The college’s spring 2023 schedule of free and ticketed events is now available. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning on Monday, Nov. 28, through the CCM Box Office.