Melissa Dunphy's mission as a composer is just as much political as it is artistic. As she explained in a self-described "rant" to Frank J. Oteri in this video presentation by Molly Sheridan recorded in Dunphy's home, "Composers have the ultimate power in deciding the gender split on stage" which she goes on to explain herein. To read a transcript of their entire conversation, please visit NewMusicBox: newmusicusa.org/melissa-dunphy-composing-has-to-be-a-calling.