Florence Maude Ewart facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Florence Maude Ewart
Florence Maude Ewart in 1912
Born	16 November 1864 London, England
Died	c.8 November 1949 South Yarra, Victoria
Occupation	Composer, violinist, music educator
Spouse(s)	Alfred James Ewart

Florence Maude Ewart (November 16, 1864 – around November 8, 1949) was a talented English musician. She was a violinist, a music teacher, and a composer. She later moved to Australia, where she continued her amazing musical journey.

A Young Musician's Start

Florence Donaldson was born in Kentish Town, London, England. Her father, Frederick William Donaldson, was an accountant. Florence started playing the violin at a young age. When she was just 14, she performed for the first time at the famous Royal Albert Hall in London.

She was very good and won a special scholarship. This allowed her to study at the National Training School. This school later became the Royal College of Music. Florence continued her studies in Germany, learning from a famous violinist named Joseph Joachim.

Life in England

After finishing her studies, Florence worked in Birmingham, England. She was a conductor, a violinist, and a music lecturer. In December 1898, she married Alfred James Ewart. They had met in Germany. The couple settled in Birmingham and had two sons. Their sons were born in 1900 and 1902.

Moving to Australia

In 1906, the Ewart family moved to Melbourne, Australia. Sadly, a health issue stopped Florence from playing the violin professionally. But this did not stop her love for music.

In 1907, she helped lead the first Australian Women's Work Exhibition. She also won first prize for her song "God Guide Australia." This song was an anthem with words by Annie Rattray Rentoul.

Becoming a Composer

Florence Ewart traveled abroad again. In 1920 and 1921, she visited Italy and Paris. She was greatly inspired by the music of Claude Debussy. She decided to focus more on composing music.

From 1924 to 1928, she studied composition in Europe. She learned from the famous composer Ottorino Respighi. Florence expanded her work as a composer. She wrote six operas and many songs and instrumental pieces. Her music was performed for the Musical Society of Victoria. It was also played at the Melbourne University Conservatorium. Florence Ewart passed away at her home in South Yarra.

Musical Works

Florence Ewart wrote music for many different things. She composed for voices, orchestras, and individual instruments. She also wrote operas, which are plays set to music. Her original papers and musical notes are kept at the Grainger Museum at the University of Melbourne.

Some of her important works include:

• Ekkart, an opera (1926)
• The Courtship of Miles Standish, an opera (1931)
• Mateo Falcone, an opera
• Nala's Wedding, an opera, which she wrote using the name "Sonia Aldon"
• A Game of Chess, an opera
• Pepita's Miracle, an opera (1945)