Dorothea Anne Franchi facts for kids

Dorothea Anne Franchi (born February 17, 1920 – died August 22, 2003) was a talented musician from New Zealand. She was a skilled pianist and harpist. Dorothea also taught music and composed many pieces.

A Musical Start

Dorothea Franchi was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1920. From a young age, she loved music. She studied at the Auckland Teachers College. Later, she went to the University of Auckland. There, she earned a special degree in music in 1939.

Learning in London

To further her musical skills, Dorothea traveled to London in 1948. She attended the famous Royal College of Music. In London, she focused on three main areas: playing the harp, composing new music, and playing piano to accompany other musicians.

Her Amazing Career

Before going to London, Dorothea taught music. She worked at Epsom Girls' Grammar School in Auckland. After her studies, she returned to New Zealand.

Working with Ballet

From 1953 to 1958, Dorothea took on an exciting role. She became the musical director and pianist for the new New Zealand Ballet Company. She worked closely with Poul Gnatt, who helped start the company. This job meant she helped choose and arrange music for the ballet dancers.

A Talented Performer

Dorothea had a very successful career. She was known for her amazing skills as a pianist and harpist. Her musical compositions were also very popular. They were performed in many different countries around the world.

Awards and Recognition

Dorothea Franchi received several important awards for her musical talents.

• In 1947, she won the Philip Neill Memorial Prize.
• In 1950, she earned the Lionel Tertis Prize for her piece called Viola Rhapsody.
• In 2000, the Composers Association of New Zealand honored her. She received the KBB Citation for her great contributions to New Zealand music.