Ethel Smyth was an English composer and suffragette, born on April 23, 1858. She is best known for her operas, particularly The Wreckers, which premiered in 1906. Smyth was one of the first women to gain recognition in the male-dominated field of classical music, and her works often incorporated themes of social justice and women's rights. In addition to her musical career, Smyth was an active supporter of the women's suffrage movement. She composed the anthem The March of the Women in 1910, which became a rallying cry for suffragettes. Smyth's contributions to both music and social change have left a lasting legacy.