To support themselves as artists during the 17th and 18th centuries, women’s options were limited: taking vows at a nunnery, as did de la Cruz and Cozzolani, or becoming courtesans, as (it is surmised) did Strozzi. Perhaps, like Duarte, they were blessed with the means to establish a fashionable, musical salon, thus avoiding the potential of being struck by lightning or slandered by an unappreciative or scandalized public.

Despite these obstacles, our Festival’s heroines devoted themselves to music and were acknowledged as brilliant composers and virtuoso performers.Their thrilling compositions and achievements will be the highlight of Montreal Baroque 2022.