Profiles in Courage: Women Composers

Special Guest: Kara Dugan, mezzo soprano

Pre-Concert Talk: one hour prior to program

Against all odds, since the 11th century, there have been women who found ways, through their extraordinary courage, perseverance and intelligence, to somehow share their considerable talents with a world that too often seemed disinterested or downright hostile. Usually overshadowed, or greatly restricted, by their husbands, families, publishers or society at large, these cultural heroes found ways to pass on their creative legacies to future generations. This program recognizes and celebrates five such outstanding artists, Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Amy Beach, Florence Price and Louise Farrenc, and two living composers, Jesse Montgomery and Elizabeth Brown, who, while benefiting from those past efforts, still continue the struggle.