Radie Britain

Full biography Radie Britain

Radie Britain was an American composer, pianist, and music educator born on March 17, 1897, in Silverton, Texas. She wrote over 150 compositions for orchestra , chamber groups, band, and chorus, and was one of the most successful Texas-born composers of the 20th century. Her musical style was characterized by American folk influences and the use of tonal harmony.

Britain graduated from the Texas State College for Women with a degree in music, and later received a master's degree from Columbia University. She studied composition with notable composers such as Nadia Boulanger in Paris, and Paul Hindemith and Roger Sessions in the United States.

In addition to her career as a composer, Britain was also a significant music educator, teaching at various institutions including the University of California, Los Angeles. She was awarded two MacDowell Fellowships and was the first woman composer to have her work performed at the White House.

Britain passed away on May 23, 1994, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy of American symphonic music that is still performed and appreciated today. Her autobiography, "Ridin' Herd to Writing Symphonies", was published posthumously.