Meisel Room
Westminster Presbyterian Church

Carlotta Ferrari da Lodi (1831-1907) was an accomplished Italian composer and writer. She wrote and published many solo vocal works, piano pieces, two mass settings, and three operas for which she also wrote the librettos. In addition to her musical compositions, she published a four volume collection of her complete literary works, including her poetry, prose, librettos, and a memoir of her artistic life. Despite the quality and the breadth of her work, Ferrari is virtually forgotten today.

The lecture will focus on providing a portrait of Ferrari’s fascinating and extraordinary life as a writer and musician. Her story provides us with a unique perspective of the challenges female creatives in Italy were faced with during the late 1800s. In her memoir, she continually speaks to her “bad luck” in business and instances of prejudice against her due to her gender. Despite these obstacles, Ferrari was determined to make her way in the musical world. She knew her worth and was unwilling to compromise for less than she deserved; occasionally her own stubbornness was an impediment to her renown. Nonetheless, Ferrari did achieve musical success during her lifetime, however fleeting.