International Women’s Day 2025


Highlighting some of the amazing women behind – and at the front of – our CoMA Ensembles.
For last year’s International Women’s Day, we shone a spotlight on some of the fantastic women composers featured in our catalogue; this year, we are doing a shout out to some of the brilliant women of our CoMA Ensembles!

CoMA Leeds

A trio of women power our Leeds ensemble: co-chairs Jenny Brierley and Sue Watts, and Musical Director Elaine Levene.

Some of the members of CoMA Leeds, with Sue Watts (seated left), Jenny Brierley (standing with bass) and Elaine Levene (seated right).
Some of the members of CoMA Leeds, with Sue Watts (seated left), Jenny Brierley (standing with bass) and Elaine Levene (seated right).

“Even though it is 25 years since I joined CoMA (CoMA Yorkshire in 2000) I still relish the challenge and adventure of playing, conducting, composing and arranging new music for an ensemble of varied instrumentation and abilities who are always encouraging, friendly and never give up easily on a challenge.”– Elaine Levene, Musical Director, CoMA Leeds Ensemble

CoMA Sheffield

Louise Vincent is the dynamic force behind our Sheffield ensemble, being the Musical Director, Coordinator, Membership Secretary and Chair!

CoMA Sheffield pictured after a concert at the 2024 CoMA Festival, with Louise Vincent standing at the front.
CoMA Sheffield pictured after a concert at the 2024 CoMA Festival, with Louise Vincent standing at the front.

“What I enjoy about CoMA is the friendliness, the encouragement, the inclusivity, the cooperation and co-empowerment; being at the forefront of new musical ideas; creating new sounds together; and the laughter and sheer joy of coming together to make music.” – Louise Vincent, Musical Director, CoMA Sheffield

Happy International Women’s Day 2025 to music-makers everywhere!