Germaine Tailleferre was a French composer born in 1892 in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés. She was the only woman in a group called Les Six, which included famous composers like Darius Milhaud and Francis Poulenc. Originally named Marcelle Taillefesse, she changed her name to Tailleferre to show defiance against her father’s disapproval of her musical dreams. She studied at the Paris Conservatoire, where she met other young composers. Together, they aimed to create music that was different from the styles of Wagner and Debussy, focusing on a clear and modern sound.

Tailleferre’s compositions are celebrated for their elegance and charm. She wrote many works, including operas, ballet music, and orchestral pieces. Some of her notable works are the Concertino for Harp and Orchestra and Piano Concerto No. 1. Although her music was not widely recognised for some time, today, she is acknowledged as a pioneering female composer whose work continues to inspire many.