Smyth's opera Der Wald performed at the Met, first female composer there.
On March 11, 1903, Ethel Smyth's opera Der Wald was staged at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, marking the first time an opera composed by a woman was performed at the Met. This historic event underscored Smyth's pioneering role in a male-dominated field and challenged prevailing gender norms in classical music.
The performance was groundbreaking not just for Smyth personally but for women in the arts, illustrating their capacity to achieve and excel in professional domains traditionally reserved for men. Smyth's success at the Met symbolized a growing acceptance and recognition of women's contributions to significant cultural institutions.