Myra Hess

Dame Myra Hess, born in 1890, was a trailblazing English pianist whose career soared to legendary heights, particularly during the tumultuous years of World War II. Renowned for her exquisite interpretations of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms, Hess captivated audiences with her refined technique and profound musicality. Her most enduring legacy, however, comes from her wartime concerts at the National Gallery in London, where she organized daily lunchtime performances that lifted the spirits of a nation under siege. These concerts, which ran for six years, transformed Hess into a national treasure and a symbol of British resilience. Beyond her wartime heroics, Hess was celebrated for her extensive repertoire and her ability to fill concert halls on both sides of the Atlantic. Her life story is one of transformation, from a rebellious young woman to a powerful national heroine and international superstar, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music.