Doris Gertrude Sheppard

Doris Gertrude Sheppard (February 7, 1902 –September 12, 1982) was an English pianist, singer, composer, and teacher who spent much of her life in New Zealand.

Biography

Early life and education Doris Sheppard was born in Bromley, Kent, England in 1902 to Georgina Baker and Charles Valentine Sheppard. The family later moved to London. She studied music at the Royal Academy of Music in London beginning in 1920. Her primary teacher was pianist Harold Craxton, although she also took voice lessons. While in school, she won prizes in both voice and piano, and in 1925 won the Dove prize for ‘for general excellence, assiduity, and industry.’ She was soon heard on the radio through her employment with the New Zealand Broadcasting Service, and also worked as a vocal coach for the New Zealand Opera Company.

Her papers are held at the National Library of New Zealand.

Selected works Reference:

Solo and chamber music

A Delicate sweet music for voice and piano, text by Vivian Locke Ellis And thus they wandered forth for voice and piano, text by Byron If I might build another world for thee, Op. 2 for voice and piano, text by Vivian Locke Ellis It was a lover and his lass for voice and piano, Op. 5 Love's Last Gift, Op. 3 for voice and piano The Avon, a ballad for medium voice and piano, text by Henry Jacobs The Inner Vision for voice and piano The Living Theme, song cycle for tenor voice and piano, text by Dora Hagemeyer, ca. 1965 The Wind for voice and piano Vain Questioning, song cycle for voice and piano, text by Walter de la Mare, 1956 Fugue for solo piano Theme and Variations for solo piano Romanza for solo piano, 1952 Symphonic poem for solo piano Two Pieces for piano Where the world begins for solo baritone voice Three part invention for voice, viola, and cello, text by James Kirkup

Orchestral works

City Square Overture Fantasia The Puff Overture You have a lot to lose a song cycle for tenor and orchestra, text by C K Stead (III)

Choral works

Peace, an anthem for SATB, text by A Drummond

Film music

The Long Green Mantle, 1964