Various Composers - Ladies First (Rachel Kolly; Pallavi Mahidhara)

Information

• Amanda Maier - Violin Sonata in B Minor
• Mel Bonis - 3 Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 84: No. 2, Allegretto non troppo
• Clara Schumann - 3 Romances, Op. 22
• Amy Beach - Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 23
• Dora Pejačević - Violin Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 42 "Slavic"
• Nadia Boulanger - Soleils couchants
• Lili Boulanger - Nocturne
• Lili Boulanger - Cortège
• Rebecca Clarke - Midsummer Moon

Rachel Kolly, violin

Pallavi Mahidhara, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Indésens Calliope Records

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Ladies First is a finely tuned collection of late-19th and early-20th-century violin and piano works composed entirely by women. The album showcases rich stylistic variety, bridging the romantic lyricism of Amanda Röntgen-Maier’s B-minor Sonata with Clara Schumann's legacy. It features Mel Bonis’s fluid Pièce No. 2—written under a pseudonym to navigate contemporary gender bias—alongside Lili Boulanger’s touchingly sweet Nocturne and Rebecca Clarke’s impressionistic Midsummer Moon. Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly delivers radiant, deeply committed performances throughout the program, seamlessly navigating technical challenges to emphasize the unique expressive core and historical significance of each neglected masterpiece.

Widely regarded as one of Switzerland's premier soloists, violinist Rachel Kolly has earned international acclaim for her passionate, color-rich interpretations and unique vibrato. A child prodigy who debuted at age 12, Kolly’s career is defined by a celebrated discography under Warner Classics and other major labels, including the award-winning French Impressions and her 2024 Brahms Violin Sonatas. She regularly performs on a 1732 Stradivarius alongside elite global orchestras like the BBC Philharmonic and Tokyo’s NHK Symphony. Additionally, Kolly is a dedicated humanitarian, serving as a Handicap International Ambassador and supporting youth orchestras in South America.

Indian-American pianist and Steinway Artist Pallavi Mahidhara made her orchestral debut at age ten and has since established a distinguished international career spanning five continents. A prize winner at the Geneva and Prokofiev international competitions, she has performed at major festivals like Marlboro and Verbier, and recently released a collaborative album of Romantic works by female composers with violinist Rachel Kolly in June 2026. Mahidhara is also the creator and host of The Conscious Artist® podcast, advocating for mental health awareness in the performing arts. A graduate of the Curtis Institute, she passionately serves as a global cultural ambassador and mentor.

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