Description

Join contralto Melissa Elsman and pianist Kathryn Southworth in celebrating the remarkable contributions of three extraordinary women composers of the 19th and 20th centuries: Clara Schumann, Pauline Viardot, and Amy Beach. During their lifetimes, these women made a profound impact on the musical world, earning admiration for their artistry and innovation. However, despite their achievements, their works have often been unfairly overlooked in the canon of classical music. Through captivating songs and compelling stories about their lives, this program sheds light on the challenges these women faced, the courage it took to create music in an era that often silenced their voices, and the lasting legacy they left behind. This performance will be held at 6:30 on Monday, September 29, 2025 at the Baker Free Library (Bow, NH). It is part of Concord Community Music School’s Concord Classical Concerts series. The event is free and open to the public, thanks in part to the generosity of the Ellen Downing Waite and Edward Osgood Waite Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. PERFORMERS: Melissa Elsman (CCMS voice department) is a classical singer and music educator who holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory and an M.M. in Vocal Performance from Chicago College of Performing Arts. She continues her studies with renowned countertenor Mark Crayton. A member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Melissa teaches voice to children and adults from beginner to advanced levels, in a variety of styles including classical, musical theater, and popular music. An active performer with over 20 years of experience, Melissa’s repertoire spans from art song to opera, with a special interest in lesser-known works. She has produced and performed lecture-recitals, including La Femme Vaillante: Reviving the Remarkable Musical Legacy of Augusta Holmès, which she has toured both locally and in Chicago. Kathryn Southworth (CCMS piano department co-chair, piano, performance workshops, Canterbury Singers) holds a B.M. in Piano Performance from Oberlin Conservatory and an M.M. in Vocal Accompanying and Coaching from the University of Illinois. She held a graduate assistantship as staff accompanist under the tutelage of acclaimed accompanist John Wustman and served as a musical ambassador to Costa Rica with soprano Ollie Watts Davis. She has been a collaborative pianist for Opera North, Dartmouth College, Plymouth State University, and Boston Ballet, and has also served as music director, accompanist, and organist for many theater and choral groups in New England. Kathy is currently music director and organist for the Canterbury United Community Church. Former faculty positions include St. Paul’s School and Plymouth State University.