Francisca Edwiges Neves “Chiquinha” Gonzaga (1847-1935) was born to a wealthy father from a prominent Brazilian family and a mixed-race woman. Her father gave her a strict education, but later disowned her when she defied his wishes and fled her abusive husband to pursue a musical career. In addition to touring the world as a pianist, she also composed music that integrated Brazilian rhythms with traditional forms. She also agitated for women’s suffrage and the abolition of slavery in Brazil.