1919 - Women's Suffrage Tickets

Music

In 1919, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting women in the country the right to vote. This historic moment came after decades of tireless work by suffragettes and activists who fought for equal rights. One area in which women had also long been fighting for recognition and inclusion was classical music.

For centuries, women had been excluded from the world of classical music, with few opportunities to perform or compose. However, throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, female musicians began to break down these barriers, often against significant resistance. Some notable names include Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann, both talented pianists and composers who faced discrimination and were often overshadowed by their male counterparts.

Despite this uphill battle, women continued to push forward and make strides in the field of classical music. In fact, the years leading up to and following the ratification of the 19th Amendment saw a surge of talented female musicians making their mark on the scene. One of these was Florence Price, an African American composer whose compositions blended classical European styles with African American folk themes.

Price’s work was groundbreaking in many ways, not least because she was able to secure performances of her pieces by white orchestras at a time when segregation was still rampant in society. Another important figure was Ethel Smyth, an English composer who was also active in the suffrage movement. Smyth’s compositions were often politically charged, including marches and anthems that were used to mobilize support for women’s rights.

Other women who made significant contributions to classical music around this time include Lili Boulanger, who became the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome composition prize in 1913; Amy Beach, who composed prolifically and was known for her virtuosic piano playing; and Nadia Boulanger, Lili’s older sister, who became one of the most sought-after composition teachers of the time and mentored some of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

In many ways, the suffrage movement and women’s increased presence in the world of classical music were interconnected. Both movements represented a push for recognition and empowerment in male-dominated spheres. And while progress was slow and hard-fought, the ratification of the 19th Amendment was a significant moment not only for women’s right to vote, but for their right to pursue whatever passions and goals they desired.

Today, we can look back on these pioneering female composers and performers with admiration and respect for their tenacity and talent. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, classical music has become a more diverse and inclusive field, and audiences around the world have been enriched by their contributions.