With COVID restrictions in NSW continuing to ease, the live music industry is slowly beginning to get back up on its feet. Sydney Conservatorium’s new partnership with The Women’s Club will celebrate the return to live performance with a series of seven recitals across April to June, focusing on works written and performed by female musicians.

Australian jazz trumpeter Nadje Noordhuis will perform at The Women's Club on International Jazz DayAustralian jazz trumpeter Nadje Noordhuis will perform at The Women’s Club on International Jazz Day on 30 April. Photo © Mireya Acierto

The partnership came about with the recognition from both parties that COVID-19 had particularly affected the musical opportunities available for women. Even before the coronavirus, a 2017 report from the University of Sydney Business School found that music festival line-ups are largely dominated by male artists and lead acts, that women receive significantly less airplay on Australian radio stations, and are less likely to be honoured in the music industry’s most prestigious awards (such as the ARIAs, “J” and AIR awards). Additionally, women represent only one-fifth of songwriters and composers registered with the Australasian Performing Rights Association, despite making up 45...