Ruth Watson Henderson facts for kids

Ruth Louise Watson Henderson (born November 23, 1932) is a famous Canadian composer and pianist. She has written over 200 pieces for choirs. Her music is loved by many around the world.

Ruth Henderson was also a skilled accompanist. She played the piano for the Festival Singers of Canada. She also worked with the Toronto Children's Chorus from 1978 to 2007. This experience helped her write amazing music for voices.

Her compositions include pieces for organ, piano, violin, and string orchestra. Her music often uses special modes and impressionistic sounds. These give her pieces a unique and dreamy feel.

Early Life and Musical Training

Ruth Louise Watson was born in Toronto, Canada. She started playing the piano at a very young age. From 1937 to 1945, she studied piano with Viggo Kihl.

Later, she attended The Royal Conservatory of Music. She studied there from 1945 to 1952. Her piano teacher was Alberto Guerrero. She also learned about composing music from Oskar Morawetz, Samuel Dolin, and Richard Johnston.

From 1952 to 1954, Ruth continued her piano studies. She went to the Mannes College of Music in New York City. There, she learned from Hans Neumann.

Concert Career and Achievements

Ruth Henderson began her professional concert career in 1952. She performed as a solo pianist in Toronto. Soon, she was playing with symphony orchestras across Canada.

She also often performed on CBC Radio. In 1956, she won a big prize. This was on the CBC radio talent show Opportunity Knocks.

After this, she lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, until 1961. She then moved to Kitchener for a few years. Later, she returned to Toronto, where she still lives today.

Composing for Choirs

Ruth Henderson started writing choral music while working with the Festival Singers of Canada. Her experience with these excellent choirs inspired her. She wrote large works like 'Missa Brevis', 'Voices of Earth', and 'From Darkness to Light'.

When she was the accompanist for the Toronto Children's Chorus, she wrote many pieces especially for young voices. One notable work was Clear Sky and Thunder. This was a music-drama about Inuit children. The Toronto Children's Chorus performed it for the first time in 1984.

Another piece for children's voices was 'The Last Straw'. This work featured the famous tenor Ben Heppner in 1990.

Awards and Recognition

Ruth Henderson has received many awards for her music. In 1989, her Chromatic Partita for Organ won a prize. This was at an International Competition for Women Composers in Germany.

In 1992, her piece Voices of Earth won a National Choral Award. This award was for Outstanding Choral Composition. In 1996, she received the Distinguished Service Award. This was from the Ontario Choral Federation.

Many of her works have been recorded. They are popular around the world. Canadian choirs often dedicate entire concerts to her compositions.