The Philomel Club of Warren was honored to have as performers for the third time in recent years The Dandy Duo who are Danica Olson and Andrew Schmidt. The recital was held at the Woman’s Club on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. This is the 134th anniversary of the Club. Kathy Neal greeted the attendees and introduced Danica and Andrew. Both artists achieved degrees in music — Olson from Otterbein University in music education and Schmidt from the Eastman School in piano performance.

Olson teaches voice and piano to people of all ages, sings with different groups, and directs the Mozart Chorus. For over 30 years Schmidt has been an organist at churches in Chautauqua County as well as operating a thriving private piano studio for students. This is only a snapshot of their life together that is rich in music.

Olson and Schmidt also enjoy a life that is rich in activism for women’s equality. While in college she focused on historic women in music and continued her work for women’s rights in Chautauqua County and around the country. Schmidt is not only her fiance and accompanist but also a supporter of her activities for women’s equality.

The title for the program, “Works in Progress,” was sung by Olson and accompanied on piano by Schmidt. This refers to the continuing work that needs to be done with the hope that people will be inspired to take a look at the history of women in our country and have conversations about the state of our society today. Songs ranged from less famous female musicians/songwriters in folk and pop music to Cynthia Erivo’s “Stand Up” from the movie Harriet. Included was Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman” which was the rallying cry to secure the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972. The ERA was proposed in 1923 but has failed to secure the necessary Congressional votes for passage.

This program presented many issues for discussion during the refreshments that followed.

For many years Philomel Club and the Mozart Club of Jamestown have met at each other’s venues to share their local talented musicians. Today, Philomel will travel to Jamestown as guests of the Mozart Club at the Marvin House. The Silver Wind Flute Choir of Warren will perform. Philomel will be back in Warren on Nov. 12 at 1:30 at the Woman’s Club with an ensemble of local musicians. The Club warmly welcomes the community to attend the recital. All performances are followed by refreshments and are free.