Florence Price was the first African American woman to achieve prominence as a composer of classical music. Her Symphony in E Minor won the Wanamaker competition in 1932 and was premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Price produced over 300 works, including symphonies, chamber works and arrangements of spirituals.

Three works of Florence Price have been recorded by the Women’s Philharmonic, led by Conductor Apo Hsu, on Koch International Classics 3-7518-2 H1 (2001). "The Oak" is a 12-minute piece which recalls African American spirituals. "The Mississippi River Suite" (27:50) is a 1934 work subtitled "The river and the songs of those dwelling upon its banks". "Symphony No. 3 in C Minor" (29:28) was completed in 1940. It was premiered by the Michigan WPA Orchestra, conducted by Valter Poole.