At the stunning Archaeological Park of Paestum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the WOMEN AID – The Muses concert event brought together ten incredible female musicians from around the world for an unforgettable evening. The event, conceived by Italian composer and activist Valeria Altobelli, celebrated women in music and the power of art to inspire change. Under the high patronage of the European Parliament, it was also a platform to raise awareness about gender inequality in the arts.
Set against the backdrop of ancient ruins, the concert highlighted both the cultural significance of the location and the importance of female voices in music. The event was supported by the Municipality of Paestum, the Province of Salerno, and the Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia, and aimed to shed light on the ongoing struggle for gender equality, which is part of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
Altobelli, who is also the founder of Mission Onlus NGO, a global non-profit dedicated to fighting violence and promoting empowerment through culture and the arts, envisioned this project as a way to use music as a unifying force for social change. The performance was a tribute to the 9 Muses of Classical Art, iconic figures in Greek mythology who inspired creativity in various fields, from music to dance to poetry.
With Altobelli herself taking on the role of Mnemosyne (the mother of the Muses), the concert honored the legacy of women throughout history who have fought to make their mark in the male-dominated world of music. Narration by actress Sonia Gisa, who played Iris, the Messenger of the Gods, added another layer of mythological depth to the evening.
The musicians—each representing one of the Muses—came from diverse corners of the globe, showcasing the rich variety of talent and cultures that make up the international music scene. Here’s a look at the nine incredible artists who made the event so special:
Mnemosyne (Valeria Altobelli) – Italian singer, composer, and arranger, leading the ensemble with a powerful tribute to the creative force of memory and music.
Calliope (Jamie Scoles) – A drummer from Vietnam, bringing rhythm and energy to the stage as the muse of epic poetry.
Erato (Ksenia Kostina) – A Ukrainian pianist and keyboardist, embodying the muse of love poetry and lyricism.
Euterpe (Keira Kenworthy) – Bass player from the UK, channeling the muse of music and song.
Melpomene (Nadia Sheikh) – Guitarist and chorist with a mix of Spanish, UK, and Indian heritage, representing the muse of tragedy.
Urania (Dominika Sowa) – A Polish guitarist, inspired by the muse of astronomy and science.
Clio (Diana Lutfrakhmanova) – Violinist and chorist from Uzbekistan/Russia, representing the muse of history.
Terpsichore (Tanya Swinton) – Australian violinist, embodying the muse of dance and choral song.
Polymnia (Alleya Weibel) – Violist and chorist from the USA and Switzerland, channeling the muse of sacred poetry.
Thalia (Jennifer Casí Suárez) – Cuban cellist, representing the muse of comedy and pastoral poetry.
Each musician brought her unique style and energy to the stage, creating a dynamic and vibrant performance that transcended cultural boundaries. Through their talent and passion, they not only honored the history of women in music but also highlighted the ongoing work needed to achieve true equality in the arts.
WOMEN AID – The Muses was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of strength, resilience, and the power of women to shape the world through their art. By combining breathtaking music with a message of empowerment, the event reminded the audience that gender equality in the arts is still a goal worth fighting for.
As the echoes of the performance resonated through the ancient stones of Paestum, it was clear that this event would be remembered not only for its musical brilliance but also for its profound impact in shining a light on the essential role of women in music and beyond.
