Born in Arkansas in 1887, Florence Price was the first African American female composer to gain national recognition. She was also the first female composer of African descent to have a symphonic work performed by a major orchestra, when on 15 June 1933, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed a new piece by an unnamed composer. The piece in question was Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, and the critical acclaim that followed gave her career the vital boost it needed. Spanning symphonies, songs and piano music, Price’s work combines the European classical tradition and the melodies of African American folk songs, spirituals and church music.