Following the launch of Abbey Road Equalise this weekend, an initiative to help inspire and engage more young women to consider production and engineering, we take a look at the compelling work of composer Jessica Dannheisser who has announced her latest project Orchestral Portraits in celebration of International Women’s Day 2020.

Jessica Dannheisser is a British composer based in London. Her work spans from the concert hall, to the theatre, to film and TV as well as gaming and VR. Her vast discography includes composing the score for 2019 BAFTA-winning BBC One feature drama-doc Suffragettes With Lucy Worsley, Sky One comedy drama The Queen And I and Sky VR’s groundbreaking virtual reality experience Hold The World featuring Sir David Attenborough.

Her latest project, Orchestral Portraits, aims to shine a light on pioneering women from history and present day, capturing Malala Yousafzai, Vesta Tilley, Amy Johnson, Vera Brittain, Lee Miller, Doreen Lawrence and Jocelyn Bell Burnell in musical form. The orchestral portraits of the seven subjects are also featured in the National Portrait Gallery in London, alongside an accompanying book 100 Pioneering Women.

The aim is to invite the listener to connect with their remarkable achievements and characters on a deeply emotional level. The music was recorded at Abbey Road in Studio Two and is available to listen to on Audio Network now. Out on all streaming platforms from Friday.