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Tribute to a unique Irish composer
 By
Trevor O’Sullivan
Irish people and British dignitaries were out in force last week to honour
a unique Irish woman.
Elizabeth Maconchy is widely considered the greatest female composer of
classical music of the 20th century.
A blue plaque was unveiled at her English home in the quiet village of
Boreham in Essex.
The event which was attended by the local Mayor also featured a flower
festival in Elizabeth’s honour and a concert of her music.
Elanor Burgess, a member of the British Association for Irish Studies
described the momentous occasion as a fitting tribute to a distinguished
composer.
She said: “Elizabeth’s life was one of struggle and achievement.
She was the most exciting, talented Irish woman I have ever met.”
Elizabeth Maconchy was born in 1907 and grew up in the quiet rural lanes
of Co. Dublin.
Her prodigious talent was spotted at an early age and as a teenager she
was awarded a financial grant to study music in London.
Unfortunately the financial assistance was withdrawn on the same day because
she was told: “It would be a waste. You’ll only go off and
get married and then you’ll stop composing music.”
Elizabeth used the setback as an opportunity to prove her doubters wrong.
Despite an initial setback with TB after getting married she continued
to compose regularly and wrote music for the words of WB Yeats and JM
Synge.
She died in 1994 and was immediately hailed by music critics as one of
the greatest female composers of all time.
In honour of her legacy BBC Radio 3 and Irish radio broadcast five hours
of music in Elizabeth’s honour in March 2007 and concerts will soon
be taking place all over Britain and Ireland.
Her daughter Nicola Le Fanu is clear about her mother’s place in
Irish culture.
She said: “Though classical music might not appeal to everyone all
Irish people can appreciate the talent and determination of one of our
greatest artists.” |
