For centuries, women’s predominant role in life was to marry and seek fulfilment in rearing children. 

Husbands held the power to decide what their wives could or should not do. Career pathways for women were rare. Society stifled female ambition and being a woman composer or part of the performing arts was seen as a questionable profession.

From the time of Hildegard von Bingen in the 11th century, it was not until the late 1500s that a few brave women began to compose in earnest, although prejudice against them remained for several more centuries.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the numbers of female composers have thankfully proliferated as prejudices against women declined.

This inspirational book is illustrated by David Mahon of Wexford with wonderful watercolour portraits of the composers.