Lisa Newill-Smith

Josina van Boetzelaer

Throughout the centuries, women have been sidelined in classical music. While parents encouraged their daughters to learn to play the keyboard and sing, it was only appropriate in small, house concert settings, where the daughter’s playing could attract an eligible bachelor. Despite this, many women composed gorgeous works, which were often lost to time. Recently, I discovered the music of Josina van Boetzelaer and learned her story and her music.