Nadia Boulanger

Nadia Boulanger was a renowned French composer, conductor, and music teacher, born in 1887. She is celebrated for her influential role in music education, shaping the careers of many prominent composers, including Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. Boulanger emphasized the importance of musical craftsmanship and creativity, blending traditional and contemporary techniques. She was the first woman to conduct major orchestras and taught at prestigious institutions like the Paris Conservatory. Boulanger's impact on 20th-century music and her advocacy for women in the arts make her a significant figure in music history. She passed away in 1979.