Florence Price was an American composer and pianist, born on April 9, 1887, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra, which occurred in 1933 when the Chicago Symphony Orchestra played her Symphony No. 1. Price's music often blended classical elements with African American spirituals and folk themes. Throughout her career, Price composed over 300 works, including symphonies, chamber music, and choral pieces. She faced significant challenges due to racial and gender biases in the music industry but continued to gain recognition for her contributions. Today, her works are celebrated for their rich emotional depth and cultural significance.