Cécile Louise Stéphanie Chaminade was born on 8 August 1857 in Batignolles, a quaint village near Paris. Raised in a musical family, she began her piano lessons with her mother. At the age of ten, she impressed Félix Le Couppey from the Conservatoire de Paris, who suggested she study music. However, her father believed it was inappropriate for a young girl of her status to pursue a career in music. Despite this, Chaminade continued her education privately with renowned teachers.

By the 1870s and 1880s, she was performing her own compositions across France and beyond. In 1913, she became the first female composer to be awarded the Légion d’Honneur. Chaminade’s music was well-loved in England, where she frequently performed, even at the funeral of Queen Victoria, who enjoyed her compositions. Throughout her life, Chaminade was celebrated for her contributions to music, composing memorable pieces for piano and orchestra until her passing on 13 April 1944.