Andree Bonhomme

Full biography Andree Bonhomme

Andree Bonhomme (1905-1982) was a Dutch composer who contributed significantly to classical music. She was known for her works and songs on French texts , which were well-received by the public. Bonhomme composed a number of ballet suites, including "Xanthis" (1938), Ballet Suite I (1940), and Ballet Suite II (1941). Although there were only a few female composers who wrote music for ballet at that time, Bonhomme's work stood out for its creativity and elegance.

Bonhomme's talent as a composer was recognized early on when she was about 10 years old and composed melodies with accompaniments that caught the attention of Charles Smulders. Her compositions were influenced by the rich history and culture of France, as well as her experiences as a woman.

Aside from ballet suites, Bonhomme also wrote several other works, many of which were premiered by renowned musicians. For instance, saxophonist Ton Verhiel commissioned a piece titled "Pice en forme de Sonate" for tenor saxophone and piano , which was written by Bonhomme.

Despite her contributions to classical music, Bonhomme is not as well-known as some of her male counterparts. However, her compositions remain relevant today, and her pioneering work in the field of ballet music has inspired many young female composers who aspire to follow in her footsteps.