Sutherland, Margaret (1897-1984), was one of the first Australian composers to write music in the modern European styles of the 1900’s. Sutherland wrote more than 90 compositions in a wide range of forms, including piano music, vocal music, orchestral music, and chamber music. She also wrote three ballet scores and a one-act chamber opera, The Young Kabbarli (1965). Her other major works include the tone poem Haunted Hills (1950), Discussion (1954) for string quartet, a Concerto Grosso (1958), and a Violin Concerto (1960). Sutherland was also an accomplished pianist. As a composer, performer, and teacher, she had a major influence on music in Australia.
Margaret Ada Sutherland was born on Nov. 20, 1897, in Adelaide, South Australia, but lived most of her life in Melbourne, Victoria. She visited Europe from 1923 to 1925, studying in London and Vienna. She received encouragement for her work from her teacher, the British composer Arnold Bax. She died on Aug. 12, 1984.
