Donne Foundation Breaks Guinness World Record with 26-hour Concert Championing Gender Equality and Inclusion
‘Let HER MUSIC Play’ featured 96 musicians performing only music by 140 women and non-binary composers, arrangers, and songwriters
NEWS | APRIL 10th, 2024

Wednesday, 10th April 2024
‘Let HER Music Play’ took place on 22-23 February 2024 reaching an international audience of over 10,000 viewers in over 50 countries, as well as a live audience in London.
Soprano Gabriella Di Laccio, founder of Donne and the driving force behind this initiative, shares her passion:
“This achievement is a call to every one of us to lift each other up, to make space for all voices in music and beyond. It’s about more than just being heard; it’s about creating a legacy of inclusion and empowering diverse voices.
To all my colleague artists who were part of this campaign: this Guinness World Record™ belongs to you all!”

Since its founding in 2018, the Donne Foundation has produced ground-breaking research, reports and toolkits of the industry. In 2022, the Donne Foundation reported disparities in the music and film industries:
○ Orchestral Compositions: 92% of the works performed by orchestras worldwide were composed by men.
○ Film Scoring: Women composers accounted for only 5% of the top 100 highest-grossing movies.
○ Music Production: A mere 1.67% of POP music producers were women.
£1 FOR EQUALITY CAMPAIGN: Aligned with this historic concert is the launch of the ‘£1 FOR EQUALITY CAMPAIGN‘. Each donation will go to support the many initiatives led by the Donne Foundation that advance diversity, create opportunities, and have a direct impact on the future of women in music. Every contribution fuels the change towards a more equitable industry.
FULL LIST OF PERFORMERS (in order or appearance)
Shanelle Rudrigo
Laure Meloy
Lisa Nelsen & Jelena Makarova
Ghiya Rushidat
Tony Moore
Antonio Oyarzabal
Sophia Patsalides
Richard Leach
Gabriella Di Laccio
Ivory Piano Duo Ensemble (Panayotis Archontides and Natalie Tsaldarakis)
Alyssa Herzinger
Clelia Iruzun & Lucas Jordan
Helen Lacey, Stella Lorenz & Elodie Chousmer-Howelles
Eleanor Kelly
Ciana O’Muireadhaigh
Sophie Frear
Maria Garzon
Hadewich van Gent & Yupeng He
Lana Bode & Thomas Elwin
Blánid
Roderick Williams & Iain Burnside
Beatrice Nicholas
Isabella Coulstock
Olga Balakleets
Hollie Buhagiar & Lloyd Perry
Analu Sampaio
Vanessa Moreno
Adriana Calcanhotto
Layil Barr & Konstantinos Glynos
John Holland Ensemble: John Holland, Sharon Moloney, Priya Jess,
Barbara Eifler, André Stryger, Paula Goodwin & Ross Dunsmore
CN Lester
Ryta Ray & Ensemble: Beatrice Limonti, Fiona Griffin, Pippa Griffin, Daryl Giuliano, Ledi Manurung, Ksenia Reimchen
James Ainscough & Grace Meadows
James Akers
Victor Alarcon
Elizabeth Hardman & James Hendy
MIRI
Tim Parker-Langston
Olivia Tait – Exodus Ensemble
Naomi Cook
Katharina Nohl & Olga Mishula Hackbrett
Shirley Wu & Aleksandra Pykacz
Alexandra Skevington
Kristina Arekalyan
Tailleferre Ensemble
Margherita Torretta
Jean Kelly
Ian Tindal & Harriet Burns
Joana Ly & Martin André
Daniel Norman & Sholto Kynoch
Késia Decoté
Carolyn Sampson & Joseph Middleton
Vulva Voce
Let HER MUSIC Play Official YouTube Playlist: WATCH HERE
For more information visit: https://donne-uk.org/let-her-music-play/
ABOUT DONNE, WOMEN IN MUSIC
The Donne Foundation Donne aims to connect and empower anyone who identifies as a woman in order to create a more equitable music industry. Together they celebrate, advance, and amplify women in music so that they are seen, heard, and appreciated for their talent, leaving a legacy of inspiration for future generations.
In a transformative push for gender equality in the arts, the Donne Foundation, founded by Soprano Gabriella Di Laccio, stands at the forefront of empowering women in the music industry. This visionary foundation is not only celebrating women’s achievements but is actively reshaping the landscape of music.
Key Achievements and Initiatives:
- Groundbreaking Research: The foundation’s 2022 Equality & Diversity in Global Repertoire report, a landmark study, analysed over 20,400 works by 111 orchestras across 31 countries. This pivotal research uncovered a significant gender disparity, with only 7% of compositions by women and a mere 1.11% by Black and Asian women. The foundation also looks at the representation of women in the POP and Film industry.
- The Big List: A monumental resource showcasing over 5,000 women composers from mediaeval times to the 21st century, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women to music.
- Strategic Partnerships and Resources: Collaborations with esteemed organisations like the Royal Albert Hall, Apple Music, TheOscars ® and the creation of free multimedia resources underscore Donne’s commitment to amplifying female voices in music.
- Consultative and Educational Role: Through talks, program consultations, and other educational initiatives, Donne is increasing the visibility and recognition of women composers.
The Donne Foundation is more than an advocate for women in music; it’s a catalyst for faster change. With a mission to see women not only seen and heard but profoundly appreciated for their talents, Donne is leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. This charity is not just marking history; it’s making it. https://donne-uk.org/
Event Details:
Started: 12 pm, Thu, Feb 22, 2024
Ended: 2.23 pm, Fri, Feb 23, 2024
Location: Sala Brasil, 14-16 Cockspur Street London, SW1Y 5B
£1 for EQUALITY Campaign: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZK6BJFUEFQ23G
Be Part of the Revolution: The Donne Foundation invites everyone to join in this historic moment. Your support, whether through participation, spreading the word, or contributing to the campaign, can help reshape the music industry.
Get Involved: Visit here for details on “Let HER MUSIC Play” and the ‘£1 FOR EQUALITY CAMPAIGN’.
Olivia Brown
olivia@wildkatpr.com
WildKat PR
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