Join contralto Melissa Elsman and pianist Kathryn Southworth for Part One of this lecture–recital exploring the early life and music of nineteenth-century Parisian composer Augusta Holmès. Celebrated in her lifetime yet seldom remembered today, Holmès defied societal expectations by composing on a grand scale—an endeavor deemed “masculine” and inappropriate for women of her era.
Renowned not only for her music but also for her poetry, voice, and striking presence, Holmès captivated many of the leading artists of her day. Camille Saint- Saëns is quoted as saying “We were all in love with her— literary men, savants, painters, musicians; any one of us would have been proud to make her his wife.”
This program highlights her early years, a period marked by passion, romance, and artistic inspiration. A selection of musical works and poetry written by Augusta Holmès that reflect this season of her life will be performed, including her ardent song set Les Sérénades and her fiery song cycle Les Heures.
The Bach's Lunch series is made possible in part through the generosity of the Walker Lecture Fund. Click here for more information on this Concord Community Music School Event.
