For Miss Ellen Ambrose, such anxiety among her students about piano solos was a source of inspiration not discouragement.

In 1889, this inventive Hamilton music teacher formed the Haydn Duet Club so that even the timid students could perform before an audience.

It was important to include the timid ones in the beginning. And now, many of us are delighted to be included, despite our timidness.

From these humble beginnings grew a dynamic organization that funds a variety of musical scholarships and is home to a choir of women’s voices – Women of Song.

The Duet Club’s Steinway piano was purchased in 1922. It was selected by Vladimir Horowitz who travelled from New York City to be the first to play it in performance.