Classical Women Composers of Old

This year, Women's History Month starts with music at the library.

This music history and appreciation series will feature female composers from the 12th through the 21st centuries.  Our first event is on Wednesday, March 6. The presentation Women Composers of Old will explore plainchant of Hildegard von Bingen, early operatic endeavors of Francesca Caccini, keyboard works of Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre and other early female composers whose work has survived obscurity to reach our modern ears.

Beginning in the Middle Ages, we’ll learn about and listen to music from Europe and America that is not in the mainstream, yet has tremendous merit and appeal and deserves to be heard. Your guide is Lois Price, a library staff member and musician. The presentations combine spoken information as well as recordings of musical examples from each group of composers. All events will be held in the library Community Room.

Upcoming events in this series:

• Wednesday, April 3, 1:15pm - 2:30pm - The Unsung Mendelssohn and Schumann: Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann 
• Wednesday, May 1, 1:15pm - 2:30pm - Modern Day Musiciennes: Amy Beach, Ruth Crawford Seeger, Florence Price, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Meredith Monk and Valerie Coleman