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French composer and pianist, renowned for her prolific output of charming salon music and one of the first female composers awarded the Légion d'Honneur.Born in Paris, Chaminade showed early talent, composing by age eight. Though denied formal Conservatoire training by her father, she studied privately with prominent teachers. She achieved significant popularity, particularly in France, England, and the United States during the Belle Époque, primarily for her character pieces for piano and songs. Her 'Concertino for Flute and Orchestra' remains a staple repertoire piece. Despite her success, her work was often dismissed by critics due to her gender. Her popularity waned after World War I, and she died in relative obscurity in Monte Carlo.

• Her mother initially opposed her musical studies, but her talent was undeniable.
• She toured the United States in 1908 to great acclaim, performing her own works.
• In 1913, she became the first female composer awarded the rank of Chevalier in the Légion d'Honneur.
• She experienced significant sexism; critics often attributed her success to novelty or charm rather than compositional skill, dismissing her works as 'feminine'.
• A false report of her death circulated in 1936, eight years before her actual passing.
• She never married and had no children, dedicating her life to composition and performance.
• She died in Monte Carlo during the German occupation in World War II. Her death went largely unnoticed in the musical press.