Christopher Wiley traces the career of Ethel Smyth, who was the first woman to have an opera performed at the Metropolitan Opera, wrote the suffragette’s anthem, and developed a parallel career as an author.

Discover our readers' and critics' favourite artists of 2019, learn about Beethoven's final tempestuous year, and celebrate Musica Viva as it turns 75.

Committed to the Suffragist cause, Ethel Smyth gave up music for Holloway Prison.

Playing in Hamburg dives, poor Brahms was exposed to certain scenes that stuck for life.