'For you, music can be only an ornament.'
These words, written in 1820 to the aspiring composer and pianist Fanny Mendelssohn by her father, show the attitude that confronted many talented women who dreamed of a career in music.
In conversation with historian Robert Philip, pianist Susan Tomes discusses some of the issues raised in her award-winning book Women and the Piano - a History in Fifty Lives, and illustrates the talk with some live piano music.
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Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Follies can be pleasant, painful and everything in-between. This programme at St Cecilia's Hall on Tuesday 1st April, celebrates some of these musical depictions!
READ MOREJoin the Institut français d’Écosse for this concert at St Cecilia’s Hall on 24th April, as Mujie Yan guides us through a captivating harpsichord programme!
READ MORESunday Herald and Scottish Opera Star Catherine Backhouse presents an unforgettable evening at the opera on 3rd May at St Cecilia's Hall.
READ MOREJoin award-winning concert harpsichordist Matthew Shiel for an unforgettable evening of keyboard excellence and emotional storytelling at St Cecelia's Hall on 3rd May!
READ MOREMoonlight Concerts invite you to join world-renowned violinist Emma Jane Lloyd as she takes centre-stage in Vivaldi's breath-taking masterpiece 'The Four Seasons' at St Cecilia’s Hall on 3rd May!
READ MOREDon't miss an Enchanting Night at the Opera by Candlelight at St Cecilia's Hall with a double bill - 2 shows for the price of 1 - 'Night at the Opera' and 'Four Seasons' on 3rd May!
READ MOREEnjoy an amazing value package of candlelight concerts - 'Goldberg Variations' and 'Opera by Candlelight' at St Cecilia's Hall on 3rd May!
READ MOREJoin Maxim Emelyanychev for a very special evening of Mozart celebration and final concert of the Baroque Music Festival at St Cecilia's Hall on 10th May!
READ MOREJoin Surgeons' Hall Museums on their 5* weekend walking tour through Edinburgh’s old town and hear tales of old Edinburgh, disease, dissection and curious methods of treatment!
READ MOREDelve into the darkest days of Edinburgh’s history, the Plague outbreak of 1645, and discover how the city confronted this devastating epidemic on this new tour at The Real Mary King’s Close!
READ MOREUncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine with a hands-on workshop led by an expert from his time: Dr Arnott, who examined his patients’ health by analysing urine’s colour, smell & TASTE!
READ MOREMany authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
READ MOREJoin us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
READ MOREThis walking tour of Edinburgh focuses on LGBTQ history from the battle of legalisation to the modern issues faced by the community in the current day!
READ MOREDiscover what life was like as a police officer in the past. Drop in and join the Edinburgh, Lothian and Border police historical society for a fascinating look back at policing!
READ MOREEaster is the perfect time to gather your team of family and friends to take on 'The Anatomist' - Edinburgh’s award winning historical escape room!
READ MOREThis Easter, in addition to the usual mind-bending puzzles at The Deacon's Cabinet, there’s a little something extra to discover, a number of small chocolate eggs… will your team find them?
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