From Porto to the World - The woman who revolutionized classical music
In celebration of International Women's Day, we’re honoring the remarkable Guilhermina Suggia (1885 - 1950) – a pioneering cellist from Porto who defied societal expectations, broke barriers, and paved the way for women in classical music, achieving an illustrious international career.
Some women are paving the way for the redefinition of gender roles in society, challenging traditional expectations of behavior and responsibilities. Historically seen as natural caretakers and primarily responsible for domestic duties, women have been fighting for equality, independence, and the freedom to define their own identities.
Guilhermina Augusta Xavier de Medin Suggia (27th June 1885 - 30th July 1950) was one such pioneering figure. The daughter of Augusto Suggia, a talented cellist who performed with the orchestra of the Royal Theatre of St. Carlos and later became a teacher at the Santa Casa da Misericórdia school in Matosinhos, Guilhermina was immersed in music from a young age.
Before she could even read, she had already mastered all the musical notes and terms. At just 5 years old, Guilhermina expressed a strong desire to learn the cello from her father. By the age of 7, she made her debut performance at the Assembly of Matosinhos, accompanied by her sister Virgínia on the piano. At that time, it was considered highly improper for a woman to play the cello, and very few women played the instrument. Orchestras often refused to accept female cellists.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries in Portugal were marked by rapid industrialization, political turbulence, and growing republican sentiment. Porto, where Guilhermina was born and raised, emerged as a point for progressive ideas and resistance to traditional norms. It was during this period that Portugal transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 1910, followed by years of political instability and economic hardship. By the time Guilhermina was gaining international recognition, Portugal had entered the Estado Novo dictatorship (1932-1974), a period of authoritarian rule under António de Oliveira Salazar that imposed strict societal expectations, particularly on women. Despite this, Guilhermina defied conventions and carved out a global career.
When she was 13, Guilhermina’s life took a pivotal turn. She met Pablo Casals, the 21-year-old cellist, during a summer series of performances at the Casino de Espinho in 1898. Impressed by her talent, Casals suggested that her father, Augusto Suggia, give her weekly cello lessons during his stay in Espinho. Every week, father and daughter would travel by train to Espinho, where Guilhermina’s musical skills flourished under Casals’ guidance.
At just 16, Guilhermina Suggia became the first woman to perform as a soloist with the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig, playing Robert Volkmann's concerto, conducted by the legendary Arthur Nikisch. Her performance was met with such an overwhelming response from the audience that it broke the orchestra's strict protocol. For the first time in history, the conductor instructed that the entire concerto be repeated.
Guilhermina’s talent and determination led her to perform in the world’s most prestigious concert halls, where she achieved immense success and recognition. She defied the societal norms of her time, showing that a woman could not only play the cello but could master it and build a distinguished career.
(Headline: The greatest Portuguese cellist of all time)
““She was the first woman to play the cello at the highest level and to build a career. It wasn’t easy because, at the time, the cello was considered a masculine instrument. She had to fight against these prejudices. It was the charm of her personality and her music that ultimately won over the audience.” ”
Her legacy extends beyond her musical achievements. Augustus John painted a portrait of her, capturing her grace and beauty while she posed playing Bach. This iconic portrait, “Madame Suggia”, is part of the Tate Gallery’s collection, and another, “Guilhermina Suggia”, resides in the National Museum of Cardiff.
In a time when women were expected to adhere to strict societal roles, Guilhermina Suggia shattered those boundaries. She not only excelled in a male-dominated field but also inspired future generations of women to pursue their passions, break barriers, and redefine their own identities. Her life and career serve as a testament to the power of determination, talent, and resilience, proving that the pursuit of one's dreams has no gender.