Women Composers

If asked to name some female classical composers most music lovers would be able to name one or two and then say 'ummm ...'. Unfortunately many talented women composers have been overlooked with their works remaining rare in concerts and on recordings. SVMC members Clare Govier and Jenny Buckland attempted to redress the balance with their talk on 'Women Composers'. We were treated to an evening of enthralling music and biographical sketches that revealed prejudice and condescending attitudes but also talent and determination.

The composers covered included Louise Farrenc who was also a concert pianist and who was Professor of Piano at the Paris Conservatory from 1842; Clara Schumann (nee Wieck) who was supported in her ambition to become a pianist by her father and who continued her career after marrying Robert Schumannn, successfully juggling family and music; and Dame Ethel Smyth who joined the Suffragette movement and was jailed for two months for breaking a window of a politician's home. We also heard about Cecile Chaminade; Amy Beach who has the distinction of being the first American woman to compose a symphony; Florence Beatrice Price, the first African-American woman to have a work performed by a professional orchestra; and Rachel Portman who wrote the scores for the films 'Emma' (winning an Academy Award) and 'Chocolat'. All of this was illustrated by great music from each of the composers which highlighted how much good work we've been overlooking.

All in all an excellent and educational evening which left us with a lot to think about.