Since 1995, presidents of the United States have issued proclamations designating March as “Women’s History Month” to celebrate contributions women have made to the U.S. and recognize women’s achievements in a variety of fields over the course of American history.

The Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra presents ”Celebration of Women’s History Month,” with a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. and a concert at 7:30 p.m. March 2, First Presbyterian Church, Allentown.

The concert is: “Overture in C Major” by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel; “Concertino for Flute and Orchestra in D Major, Op. 107” by Cécile Chaminade, and “Symphony No. 3 in G minor, Op. 36” by Louise Farrenc.

“I chose these specific works for this program to celebrate ‘Women’s History Month,’ but also to pay tribute to these three women composers who were outstanding at their craft,” says Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra Music Director Paul Chou.

“Each of these women worked hard at overcoming the challenges they faced in order to get their music published and performed,” Chou says.

The concert opens with the 1832 “Overture in C Major” by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel (1805-1847), musical prodigy, pianist, gifted composer and sister of composer Felix Mendelssohn.

She was limited by the prevailing attitudes of the day toward women. However, her brother was supportive, even to having several of her pieces published under his name.

The concert’s second work, “Concertino for Flute and Orchestra in D Major, Op. 107” by Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944), was commissioned by the Paris Conservatory in 1902 and features PSO Principal Flute Christine Moulton.

“Chaminade was allowed to take lessons from the Conservatory professors, but couldn’t enter that whole culture and community where so many lifelong connections are made,” says Moulton.

“In many ways, Chaminade was her own champion. She would tour all over the world, including the U.S., and present her own pieces,” Moulton says.

In 1913, Chaminade was awarded the French Légion d’Honneur, a first for a female composer. Although many of Chaminade’s compositions have fallen into obscurity, her Concertino Op. 107 remains an important work in the flute repertoire.

The concert closes with “Symphony No. 3 in G minor, Op. 36” by Louise Farrenc (1804-1875). Composed in 1847 and comprising of four movements, the work premiered in 1849.

Farrenc was the Paris Conservatory’s first female professor, holding the position of Professor of Piano for 30 years.

The performance is preceded by a 6:30 p.m. panel discussion in the church sanctuary with Leela Breithaupt, Executive Director of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem; Sun Min Lee, former Robert Cutler Endowed Teaching Associate Director in Choral Arts at Lehigh University; Anne Lewis, Head of the Division of Performing Arts and Associate Professor at DeSales University; Rebecca Merola, entrepreneur and owner of the Designery Quakertown, and Lordes Starr, Astral Arts Executive Director.

“It is remarkable to not only recognize the talent of these women, but also their fortitude,” says Chou, adding, “The Sinfonia and I are honored to perform these magnificent works and hope these pieces serve as an inspiration to our listeners.”

Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra, ”Celebration of Women’s History Month,” 7:30 p.m., concert; 6:30 p.m., symposium, March 2, First Presbyterian Church, 3231 W. Tilghman St., Allentown. Tickets: PSO office, 1524 W. Linden St., Allentown; 610-434-7811; https://www.pasinfonia.org/

Allentown Band, “Celebrate Women’s History Month,”

3 p.m. March 3, Christ Lutheran Church, Allentown.

“This concert features music honoring not only women composers, but also significant women in history such as our opening piece, ‘A Movement for Rosa,’” says Allentown Band Conductor Ronald Demkee.

“A Movement for Rosa” by composer Mark Camphouse is a dramatic tone poem commissioned by the Florida Bandmasters Association to honor Civil Rights heroine Rosa Parks.

Two selections penned by Emmy Award-winning Julie Giroux include “Italian Rhapsody” and “Riften Wed,” the latter music for a popular video game.

The music of Florence Price closes the first half of the concert with “The Old Boatman” and “Juba Dancez” from “Symphony No. 1.”

After intermission is “Women of the Podium,” a march by Virginia Allen, followed by John Morisson’s four-movement work “A Women’s Suite,” consisting of selections by four women composers who broke societal barriers, including Rebecca Clarke, Germaine Tailleferre, Florence Price and Lili Boulanger.

The concert continues with highlights from “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic and led a life devoted to philanthropy.

The program concludes with Bill Holcombe’s “A Tribute to Judy Garland” and “March of the Women Marines” by composer Louis Saverino.

Allentown Band, “Celebrate Women’s History Month,” 3 p.m. March 3, Christ Lutheran Church, 1245 Hamilton St., Allentown. Tickets not required. Free-will donation; https://allentownband.com

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com