This virtual performance by LMC members celebrates three women composers who made significant marks in the classical music world in an era when women were often discouraged from pursuing public careers in music.

Program:
Au Crépuscule by Mélanie Bonis (1858–1937)
Mazurka by Mélanie Bonis

5 Fantasistykker (5 Fantasy Pieces), Op. 45 by Agathe Backer Grøndahl (1847–1907)
I. Ungdomssang (Song of Youth)
II. Sommervise (Summer Song)

Karin McCullough, piano

Viola Sonata by Rebecca Clarke (1886–1979)
II . Vivace
III. Adagio

Mia HyeYeon Kim, piano
Flora Cummings (guest artist), viola

About:
Mélanie “Mel” Bonis (b. 1858 in Paris) received musical training from a young age and was encouraged to attend the Paris Conservatoire, where she won prizes in harmony and accompaniment and studied alongside fellow students including Claude Debussy. Soon after her studies at the Paris Conservatoire, Bonis married in 1883 and devoted most of her time to raising a family. Around 1894, however, Bonis jumped back in to composing regularly and produced a portfolio that included more than 300 works for chamber groups, piano, organ, voice, and orchestra.

Agathe Backer Grøndahl (b. 1847 in Norway) similarly enjoyed a musical education from a young age and excelled as both a composer and concert pianist. She travelled throughout Europe to perform and study composition to great acclaim, working with the likes of Edvard Grieg, Hans von Bülow, Franz Liszt, and others. Later in life she became a sought-after teacher and trained many successful musicians.

Rebecca Clarke (b. 1886 near London) also came from an artistic family and was able to pursue music education, although her childhood and family life wasn’t easy. Clarke studied at the Royal Academy of Music but withdrew when her harmony teacher proposed marriage to her. Later she enrolled at the Royal College of Music to continue her composition studies, but once again had to withdraw because of issues with her abusive father. Despite the challenges Clarke faced, she pursued a career as a performing violist and became one of the first female musicians in the Queen’s Hall orchestra. She performed extensively in the United States as well and gained recognition for her compositions.