There have always been women composers. As far back as the seventh century BC, Sappho, the Greek lyric poetess, played her own accompaniments on the barbiton and the pektis. Throughout the twelfth century there were female troubadours and during the sixteenth, madrigal composers.
Francesca Caccini (1587-1638) is thought to be the first woman to write an opera and Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre (1663-1729), the author of an early ballet. It is not until the end of the nineteenth century, however, that significantly more women begin to enjoy public performances of their music and become professional composers. Perhaps you’ve heard of Teresa Carreno, Sophie Menter and Clara Schumann?
Jeffrey Engel will highlight the lives and the music of several distinguished female composers/concert pianists who attained recognition and success during the nineteenth century. This presentation will be held on Zoom. Please register by emailing Beth Van Ness at bvanness@libraryconnection.info or bvanness@TownofCanton.org to receive the Zoom link in advance of the program.
Inclement weather policy: If Canton schools or afterschool activities are cancelled for weather-related reasons, so too are events for teens and children at the Canton Public Library. The library is often still open, please contact us with questions or concerns at 860.693.5800.