Women Conductors

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 48, 26 February 1938, Page 3

Women Conductors

A well-known French woman musician, Aldlle. Nadia Boulanger , made history not long ago when she conducted a concert of the Royal Philharmonic Society in London. It was the first time in the history of the society that a woman had conducted one of its concerts. Aldlle. Boulanger is one of tho leading teachers of music in Paris. . One of the most eminent women musicians of the day, who is also well known as a conductor, is Dame Ethel Smyth, who will celebrate her 80th birthday this year. She has directed performances of her own compositions with, among others, the Queen's Hall Orchestra and the Royal Albert Hall Orchestra. A famous woman conductor of choirs is Aladame Clara Novello Davies, mother of Ivor Novello. She is the founder and conductor of the Royal. Welsh Ladies' Choir, which won prizes at the Chicago Exhibition in 1893, and on one occasion sang before King George V. and Queen Alary.

In a few weeks there will be a newcomer to the Tanks of women conductors, for Aliss Daisy Kennedy—in private life Airs John Drinkwater, widow of the celebrated poet —is shortly setting out on a big adventure as leader and conductor of a male string orchestra.