Women’s History Series: First Ladies of Music
8:00pm
In this new series, we”ll follow the history of first ladies in music, compare styles between men and women, and explore the reasons for women who compose or perform, taking into account that women did not universally receive attention, acceptance or encouragement. We”ll begin with an overview and historically work our way down from Greek Divas to Music of the Salon, and European Women Composers of the 19th Century. Hosted by Virginia Eskin.
Part 2 - Greek Divas
The primary focus of this program is on the extraordinary career of Maria Callas. Another Greek Diva, Agnes Baltsa, is included, and Dame Nellie Melba (an Australian singer) whom Callas admired. The historical importance of Maria Callas is twofold: she renewed the operatic repertoire, and she upgraded the importance of its dramatic element. She also had the vocal and histrionic talent to achieve this. We hear Callas with students, teaching a master class at the Julliard School in New York City, and she is interviewed by Edward Downes. Agnes Baltsa is a living Greek Diva, who benefited by a Callas scholarship.
