On her birthday, thoughts about Ethel Smyth

On her birthday, thoughts about Ethel Smyth

By Robyn Bramhall — Our author is a WPA Board Member and Secretary who has been involved with WPA since our inception, and who also worked with The Women’s Philharmonic for almost the entirety of its influential and important lifespan, including serving as...
Composers You Should Know: Ethel Smyth

Composers You Should Know: Ethel Smyth

Saturday, April 23 marks the 158th birthday of Dame Ethel Smyth. Known for going against norms (defying her father in receiving a music education, composed operas in Victorian England, fiercely advocated for women’s rights and women’s suffrage, and was not...
Composers You Should Know: Germaine Tailleferre

Composers You Should Know: Germaine Tailleferre

This past Tuesday, April 19, marked the 124th birthday of French composer Germaine Tailleferre.  She is remembered predominately for being the only female member of Les Six, a group of French composers (other members included Louis Durey, Arthur Honegger, Darius...
Composers You Should Know: Louise Reichardt

Composers You Should Know: Louise Reichardt

Today marks the 237th birthday of German composer Louise Reichardt. The daughter of Juliane and Johann Fridrick Reichardt – both of whom were also accomplished composers – she was fortunate to receive tremendous support in her musical endeavors.   Louise...
Composers You Should Know: Mary Howe

Composers You Should Know: Mary Howe

Today (April 4) is the 134th birthday of American pianist and composer Mary Howe. An incredibly prolific composer, Howe was fortunate to be born into a wealthy and supportive family.  After receiving piano lessons from an early age, Howe was performing professionally...