Dates

• Existence: July 17, 1915 - March 12, 1973

Biography

Composer, pianist, and educationist, Esther Ballou, was born in Elmira, New York on July 17, 1915. Ballou taught at both Juilliard and American University. Ballou composed ballets and traveled with dance companies as a pianist. Ballou became the first woman to have a composition’s debut at the White House in 1963 for her Capriccio for Violin and Piano. She has composed for orchestra, chamber ensembles, vocal music, and keyboard instruments.

Sources: • Heintze, James R. “Ballous, Esther (Williamson). In Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press, 2001.