In Focus: Kassia

Composer, poet, and pioneer of the Byzantine era, Kassia stands as the earliest known female composer in history. Born in 9th-century Constantinople, Kassia broke new ground with her liturgical hymns, many of which are still performed today. A woman of profound intellect and spirituality, she not only composed over fifty hymns but also engaged in the theological and philosophical discourses of her time. Her legacy, long overshadowed by the centuries, is now being rediscovered, revealing her as a significant figure in the development of early sacred music. For one hour, NTS delves into the enduring impact of her work on the musical canon.