'Women of Song' exhibit coming to Shohola

SHOHOLA — The history of women in music is an embarrassment — not to women, but to male historians like the ones who compiled the Concise Oxford History of Music. Clara Schumann is briefly mentioned, and not one other woman’s name appears in the entries.
“As we know from our research on female artists, the lack of female names in the history books does not mean women didn’t make significant contributions,” notes Mef Gannon of the Barryville Area Arts Association. “When we hear the name ‘Mendelssohn’ for example, most people think of Felix. Very few give a passing thought to his sister, who wrote much of the music he put his name on.”
Barryville Area Arts Assocation is sponsoring “Women of Song,” an art exhibit and event that includes a discussion of the special challenges facing women composers. Throughout much of history, women were expected to perform and teach music, but not create it.
The "Women of Song" event will include a presentation of images tracing the history of women in music, a discussion of the special challenges facing women composers, complimentary refreshments and a live performance by local singer/songwriters “Mef and Angela.”
Running concurrently is an exhibit of local artists, including Eloy Argueso, Isabelle Bajda, Jane Brennan, Rebecca Esposito, Mef Gannon, Debbie Gioello, Adrienne Markowitz, Stephanie McClure, Susan Miiller, Warren Pardi, Joseph Petrosi, Dixie Rich, Nick Roes, Kelly Ryan, Joan Standora and Elva Zingaro.
It’s all happening Aug. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Artists’ Market Community Center, 114 Richardson Avenue, Shohola. The “Women of Song” art exhibit runs through Aug. 15.