Florence Price, a pioneering Black female composer, has been gaining recognition for her symphonic work, including being the first Black woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra in 1933. While mainstream institutions have focused on rediscovering her, Price’s legacy has always been cherished locally and among Black music enthusiasts. Price, along with her peers like Margaret Bonds and Nora Holt, were part of a community of upper-class South Side women who supported and championed their music. These “Race women” played a crucial role in fostering Black classical artists in Chicago and beyond, offering an alternative to white institutional support, which was often lacking or problematic.
Despite the significance of Price and her peers, there has been a lack of acknowledgment for the influential “Race women” who supported and promoted their work. Samantha Ege’s book, “South Side Impresarios,” sheds light on these women and their contributions to the classical music scene in Chicago. Ege emphasizes the importance of these women in facilitating Price’s success and highlights the communal support system that allowed these composers to thrive.
While Ege’s book offers a comprehensive social analysis, it falls short in providing a narrative biography of Price and her contemporaries. The book emphasizes the networks and circumstances that enabled these composers to succeed but lacks a deeper exploration of their individual stories and personalities. Despite this, Ege’s work brings attention to the often overlooked contributions of Black female composers and the vital role played by the “Race women” in supporting their artistic endeavors.
In a time where classical music is often associated with white male composers, the story of Florence Price and her peers serves as a reminder of the diverse and rich history of classical music. The support and advocacy of the “Race women” in Chicago provided a platform for Black artists to thrive and create symphonic music, challenging traditional narratives of classical music history. As we continue to celebrate the achievements of composers like Florence Price, it is essential to recognize and honor the women who paved the way for their success.
