Tailwind
November 20, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Opera House Foyer, Frankfurt
Since 2020, the musicians of the Frankfurter Opern- und Museumsorchester have proudly supported Orchester des Wandels e.V. as a member orchestra. Through this concert, the musicians aim to raise awareness and gather support for the initiative "Rückenwind" (Tailwind) — a project that is part of Orchester des Wandels’ larger engagement in Madagascar. “Rückenwind” empowers 300 women in Madagascar on their journey toward economic independence. The program provides vocational and financial training, access to basic healthcare, and support in achieving greater social stability — creating lasting, positive change in their communities.
The evening’s musical program further honors the strength and creativity of women, featuring works by three remarkable female composers spanning three centuries. We begin with a string quartet from Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn, a brilliant voice of the early Romantic era. Though long overshadowed by societal norms and her brother Felix, her compositions are now gaining the recognition they have long deserved. The second half of the program features a string quartet from Ethel Smyth, a trailblazing British composer and suffragette. Her life and music reflect a fearless spirit that broke boundaries in both art and society. In between we feature a 2024 composition by American violist and composer Jessica Meyer. Her piece, "with a gift for burning," for mezzo-soprano, viola and piano is inspired by two poems by Adrienne Rich — a powerful American poet and feminist whose work gave voice to the continued struggles of women and lesbians in the second half of the 20th century.
This program is a celebration of artistic excellence and a call to action — combining music with meaningful support for global social change.
Program:
Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn: Streichquartett in Es-Dur
Jessica Meyer: with a gift for burning
Ethel Smyth: Streichquartett in e-Moll
Meghan Nenninger, violin
Marina Hatae, violin
Marie Daniels, viola
Nika Brnič Uhrhan, cello
Kelsey Lauritano, mezzo soprano
Takeshi Moriuchi, piano