Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt's life in male dominated Parisian culture is brought to life by Linn Maxwell as she portrays the struggles and triumphs in this late 19th century setting. Cassatt's letters have been interpreted magnificently by composer Libby Larsen using 15 of Cassatt's paintings projected overhead during the performance to illustrate key points in the song cycles. This semi-staged cycle of 7 movements unfolds in front of the orchestra as the trombone, portraying the alter-ego of Mary Cassatt, sensitively reveals Cassatt's innermost feelings and other characters in her letters. Cassatt's paintings and drawings of women and children are legendary and the phrase "Would you could hear them talk, their philosophies would astonish you!" haunts the listener long after the concert is over.