Composer Eugenie Rocherolle
Biography of a Prolific American Classical Composer from Connecticut
Jan 15, 2008
Eugenie Rocherolle is a pianist and classical composer whose works have been published and performed all over the world.
Early Compositions
A 5th generation New Orleanian, Rocherolle was born into a musical family, her mother being an accomplished pianist and her father a singer. Her grandfather was a bass-baritone who made appearances at the old French Opera House. She was raised in an atmosphere of music: swing and Broadway tunes as well as the classics.
Eugenie showed talent at an early age as she would play by ear and pick out tunes on the piano. It is said she played a mean boogie at the age of 9! Early music lessons were discontinued after a year at her own wish. She didn't resume musical studies until 9th grade. Her first real composition, "Fantasia," was performed by the composer a year later on local radio, TV and in recital.
Rocherolle enrolled at Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University in New Orleans as a piano major. She spent her junior year in Paris and after returning changed her major to composition. At this time she composed works for her senior recital: a piano piece, 2 songs and a trio for piano, violin and cello, the latter being performed by her piano professor and 2 members of the New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra. ( World of Women in Classical Music).
Rocherolle's Marriage and Later Career
Eugenie met French-born Didier Rocherolle on a ship returning from study abroad. They married and started a family, but this did not deter Eugenie from composing. At this time she concentrated on choral music, set to her own lyrics. These pieces were published by Witmark (Warner Brothers) and thus began a rich and fulfilling career in composition.
Her first solo collection was published by Kjos, and today she has published over 80 collections of solo and ensemble works (Kjos; Warner/Alfred and Hal Leonard) that are used by students throughout the world.
Eugenie appeared at the Kennedy Center in 1988 where one of her compositions was performed on a program by the National League of American Pen Women, of which she is a member. Other commissions include works for piano, chorus and orchestra, flute, and piano trios. 2 CDs of her works have been recorded by the pianist Julie Rivers.
A successful composer, wife and mother (now grandmother), Eugenie Rocherolle deserves to take her place beside many of the famous composers of the past, not just for the number of her works but for their quality.
Sources: Eugenie Rocherolle's biographical details from interview with the composer on January,14, 2008.
"The World of Women in Classical Music," Dr. Anne K.Gray, Word World Publications, 2007
See Eugenie Rocherolle's website: www.rocherolle.com
For further information on women composers see:
Composer Lorraine Nelson-Wolf
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