Roberta Geddes-Harvey

Anne Catherine Roberta Geddes-Harvey (née Geddes; 25 December 1849 – 22 April 1930) was a Canadian organist, choirmaster and composer.

Early life and education

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Roberta Geddes was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and studied music with Arthur E. Fisher, Humfrey Anger and Edward Fisher, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree from Trinity College, Toronto, in 1899.[1]

Career

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After completing her studies, Geddes-Harvey worked as an organist in Hamilton, and then took a position in 1876 as choirmaster and organist at St. George's Anglican Church in Guelph; she continued in this position for more than fifty years.[2][1] She died in Guelph, Ontario, in 1930.[3][4]

Works

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Geddes-Harvey wrote hymns, anthems, songs, and instrumental works bearing copyright dates from 1897 to 1919. Selected works include:

  • La Terre Bonne (The Land of the Maple Leaf) libretto by A. Klugh (lost)
  • The Old Boys Welcome, single remaining song from La Terre Bonne
  • Salvator, oratorio to words from the scriptures

References

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  1. ^ a b "Domestic Harmonies: Musical Activity in Southwestern Ontario, 1880-1920". by Madelaine Morrison, Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario, 2013.
  2. ^ Hillary Stead. "Music, Art and Letters". Guelph: A people's Heritage, page 42.
  3. ^ Kallmann, Helmut. "Geddes-Harvey, Roberta". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 13 December 2010.
  4. ^ Sadie, Julie Anne; Samuel, Rhian (1994). The Norton/Grove dictionary of women composers. W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN 9780393034875. Retrieved 4 October 2010.