Dorothea Anne Franchi (17 February 1920 – 22 August 2003) was a New Zealand pianist, harpist, music educator and composer.
Dorothea Anne Franchi | |
---|---|
Born | 17 February 1920 |
Died | 22 August 2003 | (aged 83)
Occupation | Music composer |
Franchi was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1920, the daughter of Peter Rudolph and Gertrude Franchi.[1] She studied at the Auckland Teachers College and the University of Auckland, where she graduated BMus in 1939.[2] She then went to the Royal College of Music in London in 1948.[2] She studied harp, composition and piano accompaniment.[3]
Franchi taught music at Epsom Girls' Grammar School in Auckland before going to study in London.[2] From 1953 to 1958 she took the position of musical director and pianist for the newly formed New Zealand Ballet Company, working with Poul Gnatt.[4] She had a successful career as a pianist and harpist, and her works are performed internationally.[5][4]
Franchi composed for orchestra, chamber ensemble, voice and instrumental performance. Selected works include: