Helen Hopekirk (1856-1945) was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she studied piano and composition. After her debut (1874) she moved to Germany, where she studied composition, piano, and counterpoint at the Leipzig Conservatory (1876-78), then—after successful debuts in London and Leipzig—mounted concert tours of England, Scotland, and elsewhere in Europe. In 1882 she married the Scottish music critic and businessman William Wilson, who became her manager. She made her American debut with the Boston SO in 1883 and subsequently conducted successful concert tours of the US in between further periods of musical study in Europe. She accepted a teaching position at the New England Conservatory (1897-1901) and subsequently became very involved in the musical life of Boston by performing, teaching, and promoting new American and French music. She wrote works for orchestra, chorus, instrumental pieces, and nearly 200 songs; many reflect her deep interest in Gaelic folk music.