Light Music in Britain since 1870: A Survey

Countess, conductor, pioneer

“…22 Although the amateur aristocratic music movement was sometimes seen with some level of derision by later generations, the Society of Women Musicians, founded in 1911, explicitly included both professional and amateur musicians. 23 Lady Radnor herself had no apparent direct connection to the SWM, which is not surprising considering that by the time of its founding in 1911, she lived mostly in Venice and was well into her retirement years. The Society offered conducting classes, 24 in addition to its work in support of female composers, but later commentators have often completely ignored the influence of Lady Radnor and other female conductors in its genesis.…”

“…(Radnor,FAGA,17,24) benevolent hand, considering hunting to be the pinnacle of the arts, and leveraging his wealth into local political power. 23 network of family members contributed to her social and cultural development.…”

“…College of Music in London, for which Alexandra, the Princess of Wales, had enlisted Lady Folkestone's help. 23 The concert produced nearly one thousand pounds to be donated to the RCM, and Lady Radnor included in her memoir a personal letter from the princess expressing her warm gratitude. This concert took place in Stafford House, where the Duke of Sutherland had installed electric lights in the gallery for the first time.…”