Gertrude Lightstone Mittelmann

Gertrude Lightstone Mittelmann was a trailblazing American concert pianist who achieved international recognition, paving the way for women pianists of Jewish descent. Born to a prominent New York family, her father, Dr. Abraham Lightstone, was a respected surgeon. Mittelmann's musical talent led her to become one of the first women to host a radio show, with notable appearances on WQXR-AM 1550 KC. Her concert career took off in the late 1920s, with one of her earliest notable performances in the United States taking place at Haddon Hall in 1928.

As a symphonic concert pianist, Mittelmann performed with various orchestras and also gave solo recitals, with many of her performances recorded on vinyl and metal record albums. Additionally, her radio broadcasts were preserved on record albums, allowing her music to reach a wider audience. Beyond her musical career, Mittelmann was actively involved in numerous cultural and community activities, demonstrating her commitment to the arts and her community. Through her performances and recordings, Mittelmann left a lasting legacy as a pioneering female pianist of her time.