The promotion of music in Dublin: women’slectures and articles supporting the city’s musicaldevelopment

In nineteenth century Dublin there was a desire for music to play a greater role in the cultural aspect of the city. Women contributed to achieving this as teachers and performers but also as promoters of the cause. Their participation in the promotion of music in Ireland was mainly through articles, lectures and the organisation of events such as the Feis Ceoil. This chapter will examine their attempts to improve musical standards and to increase the involvement in, and appreciation of, music by a larger section of society. Through a discussion of the work of Margaret O’Hea, Edith Oldham and Annie Patterson it will present an evaluation of women’s involvement in the promotion of music around the turn of the twentieth century.