Maddalena Laura Sirmen

Full biography Maddalena Laura Sirmen

Maddalena Laura Sirmen was an Italian composer born in Venice in 1745. She was one of the few professional female composers of her time and had a successful musical career in Europe. At a young age, Maddalena showed a great love for music and began playing the violin. She quickly became a skilled player and started performing publicly in Venice.

In 1761, Maddalena's talent was recognized by the French Ambassador to Venice, who sponsored her to study music in Paris. There, she studied with the renowned composer Jean-Marie Leclair and quickly gained recognition for her violin playing and compositions. She performed her own works at the Concert Spirituel, one of the most prestigious musical venues in Paris.

In 1766, Maddalena moved to London, where she became a popular performer and composer. She wrote and performed in several operas and concerts in London, and her works were praised as much as those of her male counterparts. In 1769, she was invited to perform for King George III and Queen Charlotte at Buckingham Palace.

Despite her success, Maddalena faced discrimination due to her gender. In 1773, she was forced to leave the Concert of Antient Music, an exclusive club for musicians, because she was a woman. This incident inspired her to write the manifesto "Ragionamenti sopra la musica moderna" ("Discussions on modern music"), in which she argued for the equality of women in music.

Maddalena returned to Venice in 1780, where she continued to compose and perform. Her music was highly regarded and published during her lifetime. Maddalena Laura Sirmen died in Venice in 1818 at the age of 73, but her contributions to classical music continue to be recognized today.