Archived Edition of Chromatic Musings

Beautiful women not taken seriously in classical music

A rather good article in today's NY Times about some of the obstacles women -- particularly attractive women -- face in the classical music industry,

In sports, film and pop music, many leading women have turned their strength into an asset. But Ms. St. John is not the only evidence that classical music still seems to have trouble dealing with strong women. If you're attractive, it seems, you must also be cheesy and commercial.

I know with utter certainity that more attractive people are more likely to succeed in the music business; fair or not, this is an entertainment business, and people seem to want to be entertained by folks they consider to be pleasing to the eye. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to untalented but pretty musicians triumphing over far more competent -- if less winsome -- ones.

Posted by Casper at May 27, 2004 10:00 AM