Gender and the Large and Shiny instruments is a pioneering initiative from percussionist Beth Higham-Edwards and French horn player Letty Stott. Our company aims to open dialogue and start conversations about gender and the workplace.

Whilst gender advocacy work is becoming increasingly established in the fields of opera and conducting, performing musicians are frequently left without a voice. We believe that now is the time to give musicians across all genres this voice. By giving a platform to female and non-binary musicians, especially those who play large instruments not traditionally regarded as ‘feminine’ choices, we aim to create positive change within the music industry as a whole.

Any donations that we receive will go towards funding the initial stages of our company. As experienced performers, workshop leaders and educators, our goal is to develop education projects with womens’ refuges, schools and further education centres. Through raising awareness of gender issues in the community, we hope to act as both role models and leaders, inspiring change for the future.