Ruth Gipps

Ruth Gipps (1921-1999) was a remarkable English composer, oboist, pianist, conductor, and educator whose prolific career spanned multiple genres. A child prodigy, she began her musical education at the age of three and quickly rose to prominence, winning performance competitions and establishing herself as a virtuoso pianist and oboist. Gipps composed extensively, leaving behind five symphonies, seven concertos, and numerous chamber and choral works, including the beloved Rhapsody for Clarinet and String Quartet. She founded the London Repertoire Orchestra and the Chanticleer Orchestra, and served as music director for the City of Birmingham Choir. Gipps' music, often described as sensual and melodic, stands out in an era known for atonality, earning her a place alongside notable composers like Vaughan Williams and Bliss. Her legacy endures through her compositions, which continue to captivate audiences and musicians alike.