Cecile Chaminade

Cecile Chaminade received her first music lessons from her mother, who was a pianist and singer. When Cecile wanted to study at the Paris Conservatory, her father wouldn’t let her, so she wound up being taught privately by Conservatory professors. She especially focused on composing and her works were well received. She promoted sales of her music through concert tours and performed regularly in England, often as a guest of Queen Victoria.

She also became popular in the United States, where she performed in 12 cities in 1908. Considering the difficulties she faced as a woman composer, the large number of her compositions – almost 200 piano works and 125 songs – is worthy of note.