News: Russell Hepplewhite Releases ‘Herstory’, Three Tracks Teaching Children About Inspiring Female Figures Through Classical Music

Acclaimed composer Russell Hepplewhite releases the new 3 track release ‘Herstory’, an EP in collaboration with lyricist Helen Eastman and Farnham Youth Choir (conducted by Patrick Barrett).

Aimed at teaching Children about inspiring female figures throughout history, each track is about a different inspirational woman and their achievements:

1. IN THE NUMBERS:
   Katherine Johnson (1918 – 2020) – American mathematician whose calculations for NASA were essential to the success for the first and American crewed spaceflights. The space agency noted her ‘historical role as one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist’; she overcame horrific racial prejudice to be one of the greatest mathematicians of the century.
   
2. SEA SHORES:
   Mary Anning (1799-1847) – Pioneering palaeontologist and fossil collector, Mary taught herself geology and anatomy as a girl and went on to make fascinating discoveries throughout her lifetime. She was often not credited for having made the finds she did, and in several cases male scientists took the credit instead. Today the Natural History Museum in London, showcases many of her finds including the fossils of Ichthyosaur, Plesiosaur and Pterosaur.
   
3. COMET CRAZY:
   Caroline Herschel (1750-1848) – Discovered eight comets, revised Flamsteed’s Star Catalogue, and became the first paid female astronomer in history. She was also an excellent musician and singer, who regularly performed. 

Speaking about the release Russell adds: “Herstory is a song-cycle for youth choirs to perform. It was commissioned by Farnham Youth Choir; and was first performed at the Menuhin Hall in Summer 2021. 

The songs are inspired by three fascinating female pioneers from the past; Katherine Johnson; Mary Anning; and Caroline Herschel. The aim of the cycle is to introduce young singers to these three towering historical figures through playful and atmospheric music, and imaginative words.”

An inspiring release with an educational message and a poignance regarding gender equality just in time for this years International Women’s Day ‘Herstory’ is out now.

Listen below: