Escot, Pozzi (1933–)

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Escot, Pozzi (1933–)

Peruvian-born composer. Born in Lima, Peru, Oct 1, 1933; dau. of M. Pozzi-Escot (French bacteriologist and diplomat) and a Moroccan mother; tutored at home by Belgian composer André Sas; in US, studied at Reed College, Juilliard, and Hochschule für Musik with Philipp Jarnach.

Admired by Virgil Thomson as "the most interesting and original woman composer now functioning," was appointed to New England Conservatory of Music to teach theory and composition; wrote compositions which became widely known; commissioned by the government of Venezuela to write Sands, an orchestral composition for the 400th anniversary of the city of Caracas; known for efforts on behalf of American performers and composers whom she felt were often overlooked in favor of Europeans.

See also Women in World History.