From 17 to 20 March, Les Concerts de Midi will be honouring female composers, from Fanny Hensel-Mendelssohn to Cécile Chaminade. Even today, works composed by women are rarely played. Like the once famous pianist Clara Schumann, their talents as musicians may have been recognised, but their genius was ignored and sometimes overshadowed by a husband or brother. Mel Bonis shortened her first name from Mélanie to overcome prejudice. As for Lili Boulanger, her premature death deprived her of the opportunity to show the full extent of her talent. However, her compositions have garnered her a notable place alongside 20th century composers.

Les Concerts de Midi will be themed around women in music history, with concerts dedicated to these five composers, played by a talented trio of musicians – Gionata Sgambaro (flute), Catherine Jacquet (violin) and Frédéric Vaysse-Knitter (piano).