What Charitable Causes Did These Eight Great Composers Support?
by Emily E. Hogstad Over the centuries, classical composers have used their fame and fortune to support various philanthropic causes. Whether raising funds for wounded soldiers, supporting abandoned children, or helping fellow musicians in need, all of these composers felt compelled to give back to society after their musical successes…and it’s fascinating to know what causes were closest to their hearts. Here are eight composers and the causes they supported. George Frideric Handel and the Foundling Hospital Portrait of George Frideric Handel by Thomas Hudson, 1756 The Foundling Hospital was founded in 1739 for the “education and maintenance of exposed and deserted young children.” As its name suggests, the institution focused on improving child health, but it also provided housing and basic clothing. At fourteen, boys were apprenticed into a trade; at sixteen, girls were apprenticed as servants. It was a grim future, but certainly better than the alternatives! The Foundling Hos...