Elfrida Andrée

Swedish composer, conductor, Europe's first female cathedral organist and Sweden's first female telegraphist, born 19 February 1841 in Visby City Parish, Gotland County, died 11 January 1929 in Gothenburg. She is often referred to as a female pioneer. She contributed to two changes in the law that made it possible for women to hold organ positions and to work as telegraphists. Andrée is also considered a pioneering composer and orchestra conductor who, despite adversity due to his gender, built up a musical business and repertoire. She composed one of her first works at the age of 24, a piano quintet in E minor, which "placed her in the Swedish composer elite". She became a member of the Royal Academy of Music in 1879 and in 1921 was elected to the Swedish Composers' Association.