New York Women Composers, Inc. (NYWC) was founded in 1984 by Elizabeth Bell, Lucy Coolidge, Ann Callaway, and Robert Friou, Esq., to advocate for women in contemporary music. For 40 years, NYWC has championed the inclusion of women’s music through performances, recordings, networking, and mentoring, serving as a vital resource for performers, musicologists, presenters, and curators. Our membership is open to women composers and supporters throughout New York State and the NYC area, and our advocacy has expanded the representation of women’s works in concert halls and recordings around the world.

New York Women Composers proudly stands as one of the longest-established composer organizations in the United States and has launched diverse global projects, including concerts, radio appearances, and interviews. Our Seed Money Grant Program, now in its 20th year, continues to fund concerts featuring NYWC members' music worldwide.

As we celebrate this milestone at our 40th Anniversary Gala, we invite you to join us in building an even brighter future for women composers. Your support will help us expand our membership, create new opportunities for women’s music to be heard, and continue our mission to bring the music of women composers to the world stage. Together, we can ensure that women’s voices remain a powerful force in contemporary music for decades to come.

"Water Tower" Archival Print by Ronnie Farley