Giuranna, Barbara (1902–1998)

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Giuranna, Barbara (1902–1998)

Italian composer. Born Elena Barbara in Palermo, Italy, Nov 18, 1902; died 1998 in Rome; studied with G.A. Fano, C. De Nardis, and A. Savasta; graduated from Naples Conservatory, 1921; also studied under Giorgio Federico Ghedini; m. Mario Giuranna, the conductor.

The 1st Italian woman composer invited to participate in International Festival of Music (1935) and Festival of International Music in Brussels (1937), made piano debut with Naples Symphonic Orchestra (1923); during Mussolini's regime, became known for such pieces as X Legio (1936) and Patria (1938); wrote Tre canti alla Vergine for soprano, female chorus and small orchestra (1949); composed for Mayerling, an opera dealing with suicide pact between crown prince Rudolf and Marie Vetsera, which was staged in Naples (1960); also taught at Rome Conservatory where she became known for her editions of old music; a music consultant to the National Radio, received many prizes and awards.