Gender and Success in Getting “Heard”: How Orchestral Programming Choices Promote Women Composers

Ju Hyun Park and Laura E. A. Braden

Gender, Work and Organization, 2026, vol. 33, issue 2, 333-349

Abstract: Women composers are significantly underrepresented in classical music. While recent calls for gender equity have prompted some change, symphony orchestras still grapple with balancing canonical male repertoires and inclusive programming. This study examines how symbolic association networks, or networks constructed through programming decisions that group composers together in concert, affect the recognition of women composers. Using data on 1901 composers through 78,018 performances, we employ negative binomial models to show that symbolic network dynamics confer gendered advantages. Gender‐homophilous ties benefit male but not female composers and performances with prestigious composers significantly enhance women composers' visibility. Our findings suggest mixed‐gender programming, where women composers are grouped with canonical male composers, offers a strategic path toward equity without sacrificing traditional canonical repertoires. Throughout the research, we discuss how these results have broader implications for the role gender‐diverse teams play in shaping career and reputational outcomes across professional fields.

Date: 2026
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