Main Event

Anna Beer

The Forgotten Women of Classical Music

  • 21
  • Oct

2016

Friday

7.00pm

Headshot of Anna Beer smiling directly at the cameraJeff Overs


Since the birth of classical music, women who dared to compose have been patronised, slandered and had their authorship questioned. Come lend an ear to the remarkable composers who bravely challenged the musical establishment only to be silenced by history.

Cultural historian and biographer Anna Beer discusses her new book, Sounds and Sweet Airs: The Forgotten Women of Classical Music, and the secret history of eight women composers including Francesca Caccini, Barbara Strozzi and Fanny Hensel.

Anna’s previous books include much-praised biographies of Milton and Lady Bess Raleigh; she is a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University and has been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and 6 Music. The Sunday Times said, ‘Anna Beer’s eye for detail is outstanding.’ Join us for this moving musical journey ranging from Florence of the Medicis to London in the Blitz. Chaired by Manchester Camerata’s Samantha Morgan.