De Vito, Gioconda (1907–1994)
De Vito, Gioconda (1907–1994)
Italian-born British violinist who spent much time teaching and is known for her exquisite recordings. Born in Martina Franca, Lecce, Italy, on June 22, 1907; died in 1994.
Gioconda De Vito studied violin at Pesaro and later in Rome before winning the international violin competition in Vienna in 1932. This led to her appointment as principal professor of violin at the Accademia di St. Cecilia in Rome where she remained until after 1945. De Vito first came to London to make records in 1947; a year later, she made her concert debut with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. She married and settled permanently in Great Britain. Concertizing until her retirement in 1961, De Vito was acclaimed for her expert technique and poetic imagination. Her Stradivarius violin, on loan from the Academy of St. Cecilia, produced a clear, rich tone under her touch. De Vito made numerous recordings that remain as a testimony to her art.
John Haag , Athens, Georgia