The program centers on all women composers, including two pieces by Florence Price, first African-American woman to have a piece performed by a major American orchestra. We also include French composter. Cecile Chaminade, who was a victim of extreme prejudice against women composers in the early 1900s. Amy Beach had her Gaelic Symphony premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1896. Julie Giroux is a contemporary artist who has composed everything from video game themes to full symphonies. Ethyl Smyth was not only a composer but also an ardent suffragette in the 1910s and 20s.
Callirhoë Suite¬—Cécile Chaminade
Gaelic Symphony III—Amy Beach
The Big Blue Marble—Julie Giroux
The Old Boatman—Florence Price
Juba Dance—Florence Price
The Wreckers—Ethyl Smyth