Eugénie Ricau Rocherolle is an American composer, pianists, lyricist, and teacher.
Contents |
Rocherolle spent her years growing up in the prominently French area of New Orleans. Receiving a BA in music from the Newcomb College of Tulane University, she spent some time overseas during her junior college year in Paris, France, where she had a class with Nadia Boulanger.[1] On the return trip from Paris, Eugénie happened to meet her future husband, Didier, whom she wed some few years later. From their rural home in Connecticut, they have reared four children, three sons and one daughter, and are now grandparents.[2]
Rocherolle's tremendous works as a pianist, composer, and lyricist has captivated many a soul with her wonderfully colorful and creative style. As a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), the Connecticut Composers Inc., the National Federation of Music Clubs, and a "Commissioned by Clavier" composer, she has won awards annually, including selection as one of the seven venerated members of the National League of American Pen Women whose works were chosen for exhibition during a concert held at the Terrace Theater in Kennedy Center. She has also won first-place piano and choral awards given by the Pen Women's League at national biennial competitions.[3]
Her biography is included in the International Who's Who in Music, Baker's Biographical Dictionary of 20th Century Classical Musicians, International Encyclopedia of Women Composers.
Perhaps one of the most memorable of Rocherolle's works is the Souvenirs du château, which perfectly captures the memories and spirits of the Château de la Rocherolle, a beautiful medieval castle in France where the Rocherolles spent many years vacationing and visiting with their friends.[4] Also of merit is her piano solo Cuatros rumores hispanicos, which won third place in the Biennial Music Contest held by the National League of American Pen Women in 1998.[5] Her works are published by Neil A. Kjos Music Company. Her compositions have been recorded by pianist Julie Rivers via an independent label named Aureus Recordings.[6]
Currently, Rocherolle and her family still reside in Connecticut where she teaches piano and composition skills to her students.