On this day: Oct. 30, 1864, American music patron and pianist, Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge was born in Chicago, Illinois.
She became an accomplished pianist and ensemble player. Writing music, according to Grove Music Online, became a “spiritual refuge” for her as she began to lose her hearing in her 30s.
ALSO READ: One of music's best kept secrets celebrates 100 years, quietly
Her patronage helped to found the Berkshire Festivals of chamber music. And through her trust which funds the Library of Congress, works such as Aaron Copland’s "Appalachian Spring," Stravinsky’s "Apollo," and Crumb’s "Ancient Voices of Children," were commissioned.
Many composers either received commissions from Coolidge herself or through her foundation. They included: Samuel Barber, Sergei Prokofiev, Maurice Ravel and Ottorino Respighi.
For her work, Coolidge was admitted to France’s Legion of Honor.
And it was through her advocacy and financial backing that the Library of Congress built a concert hall that bears her family name.
