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That is the English composer and political activist Ethel Smyth above. Tonight (July 13) excerpts from her choral work The Prison are being given their first American performance with orchestra at a New York concert* of music by women composers in support of humanitarian causes. An event which the UK's cultural commentators - male and female - have chosen to totally ignore. But the same commentators are devoting screeds to analysing the tuneless twittering of an outgoing prime minister who never lifted a finger for the arts.

* More on the Unfinished Dream concert here. Any copyrighted material is included as "fair use" for critical analysis only, and will be removed at the request of copyright owner(s). Also on Facebook and Twitter.

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If you like Spem in alium try this …

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