Landmarking Surrey's Musical Heritage: Dame Ethel Smyth

Dame Ethel Smyth was a pioneering composer of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a prolific author of biographical writing about herself and others, a leading suffragette, and for the majority of her life a resident of the county of Surrey.

This free public event combines performances of Smyth's solo piano, instrumental, and vocal music linked by short talks situating them in their historical, cultural, and musical contexts. Join the University of Surrey's Dr Christopher Wiley for a journey through Smyth's life featuring discussion of selected musical works; her connections with Surrey and the three houses where she lived; her involvement with the suffragette movement; and the life-size-plus statue (pictured) recently installed in Woking town centre.

Whether you're a fan of classical music, a local history enthusiast, or interested in the national campaign for the vote, this event will give you a deeper appreciation of Smyth and her lasting place in history, society, and culture.

The Guildford Institute is fully accessible with level entrance access, a lift and accessible toilet on the ground floor. The Assembly Room is located on the first floor. There is on-street parking nearby including unrestricted blue badge parking on Ward Street. Nearby car parks include York Road and Leapale Road.

This University of Surrey event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 7–16 November 2024. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, with generous support from Research England, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please see beinghumanfestival.org.