Woods Hole Woman's Club Introduced to French Composer

On March 10, The Woods Hole Woman’s Club was honored to have Stephanie Weaver, Managing Director of the Cape Conservatory, speak on “Music of 100 Years Ago.”

Ms. Weaver concentrated her discussion on the French composer and Pianist Francis Poulenc, 1899 - 1963. His compositions include solo piano works, chamber music, choral pieces, operas, ballets,and orchestral concert music. Poulenc came under the influence of Eric Satie, under whose training he became one of a group of young composers known as Les Six. Poulenc”s early years were high spirited and irreverent, but in the 1930s a much more serious side to his nature emerged, particularly in the religious music he composed from 1936 onwards, which he alternated with light-hearted productions. Along with her power point talk, Ms. Weaver played excerpts of his various compositions to demonstrate the versatility and depth of M. Poulenc.

A native of Canada, Stephanie Weaver is an accomplished pianist. She began her studies through the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in piano performance and literature from the University of Western Ontario. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts from Michigan State University; her dissertation was titled, “The Cultural Milieu of Francis Poulenc (1899 - 1963) and His Musique de Tous les Jours.” Having served on the faculties of the University of Michigan, Grand Valley State University and Concordia University, she has also performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist throughout Canada and the United States. She has been awarded numerous prizes and academic scholarships throughout her illustrious career. Since 2011, Ms. Weaver has been the Managing Director of the Cape Conservatory, following the 2010 merger of the Conservatory and the Cape Symphony. In addition to her musical pursuits, Ms. Weaver is an avid hockey player.

Ms. Weaver has stated that she wishes to make the arts more accessible to students of all ages and, “to make the Conservatory a continual source of inspiration— inside the classroom and out in the community.” Clearly, those attending the Club meeting were inspired!

The Woods Hole Woman’s Club enjoys monthly educational meetings throughout the fall, winter and spring months. The Club sponsors annual college scholarships for Precinct One students, as well as supports Head Start and other community endeavors. New members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Christina Rawley at 508-457-5980.