Special Event | June 12

In the 18th century, women-led salons were places of cultural ferment. In these half-public, half-private events, salonnières provided a safe harbor for aesthetic experimentation, as well as a place to showcase their own talents. In Paris, Anne-Louise Boyvin d'Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy (1744–1824) presided over a remarkable salon from the late 1760s up until the French Revolution. Eminent composers such as Johann Schobert and Luigi Boccherini dedicated pieces to her, and she herself developed a reputation as a talented composer and performer—all without playing or publishing a single note outside of her house. When Benjamin Franklin arrived in Paris in 1777, he became a devoted guest of Brillon de Jouy's salons, which he called "my Opera." In this special event, enter into this remarkable—and still underappreciated—musical world. Renowned scholar Matthew Dirst will provide musical commentary.

Matthew Dirst, Janine Johnson, & Derek Tam, harpsichords; Karin Cuéllar Rendón, violin; Eva Lymenstull, cello

Matthew Dirst’s participation is co-sponsored by the Westfield Center for Historical Keyboard Studies.