Women's History

Hildegard von Bingen spent most of her life in an isolated, hilltop monastery. She was the first and only 12th-century composer to set verses to music.

Conductor JoAnn Falletta was the first female conductor to lead a major American ensemble.

Composer Fanny Mendelssohn was just as talented as her younger brother. In fact, Felix was the first to admit that she played the piano better than he did.

Regarded as a mentor of young women conductors, Marin Alsop was mentored by one of the most prominent conductors of the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein.

Jennifer Higdon didn't start composing until she was 21, but that late start hasn't stopped her from becoming one of the world's most in-demand composers.

Not only was Clara Schumann a devoted mother to many children, she also starred in the role of muse and confidante for some of the 19th century's best known musicians.