Feminine Fusion is a weekly one-hour radio program that highlights the influence of women in classical music. These are the women throughout history and into the present day who create, perform, and inspire. Diane Jones is your host, showcasing these remarkable women every week.

Each episode centers around a broad theme, and features composers, conductors, performers, or teachers. The music presented spans the centuries, from Kassia to Pulitzer Prize-winner Du Yun, with host Diane Jones providing background and insight into the music and individuals you'll hear.  Women are the central, unifying focus of this series. It is important to note, however, that their influence is broad-ranging, crossing the boundaries of culture, race, and gender. Who can know what might have happened to the likes of Aaron Copland, Donald Byrd, or Quincy Jones had they not studied with Nadia Boulanger?

“Had you asked me 10 years ago if I would have introduced a program focused on women in music, I would have said ‘no.’ Growing up in a houseful of brothers, I was always treated as their equal,” says Jones. “But there is still gender bias in the music world. I am anxious for the time when we no longer separate composers from women composers, or conductors from women conductors.“

"I'm very excited to be on the air on WRTI," says Jones. " I was born in Bryn Mawr, and much of my childhood was spent in the darkened rows of the Academy of Music, the Forrest and Walnut Street Theaters, and yes, listening to WRTI.  After finishing my undergraduate degree in composition at the University of Delaware, I moved to Syracuse, NY to complete my masters degree, but my roots are still firmly planted in the Delaware Valley!"

Some of the individuals highlighted in this program entered the world of the arts knowing they faced opposition, and gathered their strength to face it head on. Others simply took to their chosen path, often unaware of the impact their actions would have. In every case, however, they have touched hearts and souls with their art.

In addition to hosting Feminine Fusion, Diane Jones is the live midday host every Monday through Friday on WCNY-FM in Syracuse. She was born in Bryn Mawr and resided in Philly and Wilmington until moving to Syracuse in 2006. She is also an active composer, receiving a Billy Joel Fellowship to complete her Masters of Music in Composition. She has received commissions from nationally and internationally-recognized musicians and ensembles, as well as completing 5 residencies in Syracuse area schools, introducing young musicians to composition.