Boulanger Initiative

The Boulanger Initiative is a pioneering organization dedicated to promoting music composed by women and gender-marginalized composers. It achieves this through various events, including the annual WoCo Fest, consulting services, education offerings, mentorship programs, and a comprehensive music inclusion hub. The fourth annual WoCo Fest in 2022, titled "AMAZE," showcased an impressive lineup of regional musical groups and artists across multiple venues, such as the Church of the Epiphany and AMP by Strathmore. Highlights included the East Coast premiere of Alexandra Gardner's "Sanctuary of Joy," commissioned by the Boulanger Initiative and performed by its co-founders, Joy-Leilani Garbutt and Laura Colgate. The festival emphasized inclusivity and safety, requiring masks and proof of vaccination for attendees. Through its efforts, the Boulanger Initiative continues to redefine the classical music canon, ensuring the representation and recognition of underrepresented composers.