Dorothy Buchanan (composer) facts for kids
Dorothy Quita Buchanan is a talented New Zealand composer and teacher. She was born on September 28, 1945. She has created many different kinds of music.
About Dorothy Buchanan
Dorothy Buchanan was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. She was one of six sisters in a family that loved music. She studied music at the University of Canterbury. In 1967, she earned a Bachelor of Music degree. Later, she also got a teaching degree.
After finishing her studies, Dorothy worked as a pianist and violinist. She played with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. She also taught music and composed her own pieces.
Dorothy Buchanan has done a lot for music education. In 1976, she became New Zealand's first "composer-in-schools." This meant she helped students learn about composing music. She held this important role until 1993. She also gave talks and helped judge music competitions. She advised teachers and worked with arts organizations.
In 1979, she became the president of the Composers’ Association of New Zealand. She also started the Christchurch Music Workshops. In 1980, she helped create Nota Bene. This group helps schools and communities find music to use. Dorothy was also a composer at the New Zealand Film Archive for many years.
Awards and Recognition
Dorothy Buchanan has received many awards for her music. In 1995, she won the Philip Neill Memorial Prize. This was for her work called Fragments and Letters. She also received an award for outstanding achievement from the Composers Association of New Zealand. Another award was the Vernon Griffiths Memorial Award. This was for her excellent leadership in music.
In 1993, she was given the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993. This medal celebrated 100 years since women in New Zealand gained the right to vote. In 2001, she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This is a special honor for people who have done great things for New Zealand. She received it for her services to music.
Dorothy's Music
Dorothy Buchanan writes music for many different groups. She composes for school choirs and string quartets. She also writes music for dance and theater shows. Her works include operas, music for plays, and scores for movies and TV.
Some of her well-known works are:
- Clio Legacy, an opera
- Woman at the Store, an opera
- The Mansfield Stories, an opera
- The Ancient of Days for voice and piano
