Florence Price (1887–1953), an American composer and pianist, was a trailblazer as the first African-American woman to gain recognition in classical music. Her compositions, blending traditional Western styles with African-American influences, include symphonies, chamber works, and the acclaimed Symphony No. 1. Price's legacy continues to inspire diversity in classical music.
George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), a German-born Baroque composer, achieved international acclaim for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions. Notable works include "Messiah" and "Water Music." Handel's profound impact on English Baroque music and his ability to evoke emotion through grand and dramatic compositions solidify his legacy as a musical giant.
Clara Schumann (1819–1896), a German pianist and composer, was a prominent figure in the Romantic era. Renowned for her exceptional piano skills, she also composed notable works. Clara, married to composer Robert Schumann, had a successful solo career and is recognized for her significant contributions to 19th-century music.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893), a Russian composer, created some of the most beloved classical music of the Romantic era. Renowned for masterpieces like "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker," he skillfully blended Russian and Western influences. Tchaikovsky's emotionally charged compositions such as the “1812 Overture” continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Frederic Chopin (1810–1849), a Polish-French composer and pianist of the Romantic era. Renowned for his emotive and expressive piano compositions, such as the Nocturnes and the Revolutionary Étude. Chopin's innovative approach to melody and musical form left an indelible mark, making him an influential figure in 19th-century classical music.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) was a German Baroque composer and musician. Admired for his intricate and expressive compositions, he crafted masterpieces such as the Brandenburg Concertos and the Mass in B Minor. Bach's legacy endures as one of the greatest composers, influencing generations with his exceptional contributions to classical music.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791), an Austrian composer, prodigy, and prolific musical genius of the Classical era. Known for his timeless operas, symphonies, and chamber music, including "The Magic Flute" and "Don Giovanni." Mozart's unparalleled talent and versatility left an enduring impact on Western classical music.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827), a German composer and pianist, bridged the Classical and Romantic eras. Known for his emotionally charged and groundbreaking compositions, including the Ninth Symphony and "Moonlight Sonata." Beethoven overcame deafness to create some of the most influential and best-loved works in the history of Western classical music.
The story of Harriet Tubman and her role in leading slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad is well-known. But did you know that during the Civil War Harriet would often dress in disguise to gain important information to share with the Union Army?
The American colonies had just declared independence from the British.But General George Washington knew things were not going the American’s way. When Gen. Washington needed someone to spy on the British, only one young man volunteered. That man was Nathan Hale, an early American hero.
No one expected Rose Greenhow to be a war hero. But when the American Civil War split the nation apart, this beautiful and popular hostess played an important role in the Confederate South’s most important battle victory.
Some people call him the smartest baseball player of all time. Moe Berg could speak twelve languages —and make up signs on the baseball diamond. How did this major league catcher go on to become an American spy in World War II?
He was popular with his troops. And he was such a good soldier that Benedict Arnold became a major general in the Colonial Army. So how did a Revolutionary hero become known as one of the earliest spies in U.S. history?
The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was killed by an assassins bullet on April 15, 1865. Lincoln preserved the union of the nation, but after the Civil War he struggled with Congress and the people over Reconstruction. Despite the war and political strife, Lincolns life and legacy touched the hearts and souls of millions then as it does today. This play draws from the writings of many of those people and from Lincoln himself.
In 1845, Frederick Douglass's first autobiography became a bestseller. Many readers could not believe that such a brilliant writer was ever a slave. When Douglass wrote the book, slavery had not yet ended so he kept secret how he escaped from Maryland. By 1881, the Civil War had ended slavery and Douglass felt the time was right to reveal how he escaped. This play is adapted from Douglass's own words from The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass.
