A FREE Exhibition as part of the Portsmouth 100 celebrations.
Our exhibitions are open to all Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm. And before shows for ticket holders. Please check our exhibitions are open before travelling to the Guildhall on 023 9387 0200.
This exhibition in the Freda Swain Lounge of Portsmouth Guildhall draws on research by George Burrows (Professor of Music and Theatre, University of Portsmouth) to illuminate the life and work the Southsea-born composer, pianist and concert organiser Freda Swain (1902-1985).
Drawing on archival holdings in Switzerland and the British Library, it explains how this extraordinary Portsmouth figure had a profound impact on the musical world.
In a career spanning eight decades, Swain wrote nearly 600 works and supported many musicians through her composing, teaching and concert-organisation work. She was a particular champion of female musicians and wrote music that challenged the patriarchal culture of mid-20th-century classical music.
As the exhibition shows, she is a Portsmouth figure to be celebrated!
There is also a chance to hear a reconstruction of Swain’s ‘The Lion of England’ Ceremonial March, as part of the BBC Friday Night is Music Night concert at Portsmouth Guildhall on 5th June (ticket required).
Portrait of Freda Swain by Ena Limbeek courtesy of Timon Alwegg.