Praxedis Geneviève Hug was a Swiss pianist and composer who lived from 1859 to 1941. She was born in the town of Vevey, Switzerland, to a family of musicians. Her father, Charles Hug, was a composer and conductor, and her mother, Marie Hug, was a singer. Praxedis showed an early talent for music and began studying piano at a young age. As a child, Praxedis performed in concerts with her family, and at the age of 12, she made her debut as a soloist with the Lausanne Symphony Orchestra. She continued her studies at the Geneva Conservatory, where she studied piano with Louis Diémer and composition with Émile Jaques-Dalcroze. In 1881, Praxedis moved to Paris to further her studies. She studied with the renowned pianist and composer Franz Liszt, who was impressed with her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career as a concert pianist. She also studied with Camille Saint-Saëns and César Franck. Praxedis made her debut as a concert pianist in Paris in 1883, and her performance was well-received by critics and audiences alike. She went on to perform throughout Europe, including in London, Berlin, Vienna, and Moscow. She was known for her virtuosic playing and her ability to interpret the works of composers such as Liszt, Chopin, and Beethoven. In addition to her career as a pianist, Praxedis was also a composer. She wrote works for piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. Her compositions were influenced by the Romantic style of the late 19th century, and she was known for her use of rich harmonies and expressive melodies. One of the highlights of Praxedis's career was her performance at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. She was one of the few women performers at the exposition, and her performance was widely praised. She also performed at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where she was awarded a gold medal for her contributions to music. Praxedis continued to perform and compose throughout her life, and she was highly regarded by her contemporaries. She was a member of the Société des Concerts du Conservatoire in Paris, and she was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government in 1929. Praxedis died in 1941 at the age of 82. She left behind a legacy as a talented pianist and composer who helped to pave the way for women in classical music. Her contributions to the field continue to be celebrated today.

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