Vítězslava Kaprálová: 100 years since the birth of a genius

For today's Sunday Music Show, we will be playing you some music by the Czech composer Vítězslava Kaprálová to mark the occassion of her birth 100 years ago on January 24, 1915.

Kaprálová was both a composer and a conductor, a rare dual role even today. Although women composers have existed for a long time, the position of conductor remains largely male-dominated. Despite the notable achievements of female conductors, very few have had the opportunity to lead prominent global ensembles for an extended time. If she had lived longer, Kaprálová likely would have become one of them.

Some of her notable works include the Military Sinfonietta, Drawings from East Bohemia, and String Quartet No. 1.