Betsy Jolas - Honours

Composer, born in Paris, France. She came from an intellectual background (her father translated Joyce), studied in the USA, returned to France before the War, attended the Paris Conservatoire with Milhaud and Messiaen whom she replaced (1971–4), and became a teacher of analysis (1975). Attracted by vocal music, she composed for the voice, and her operas included Schliemann (1991). She also wrote serial instrumental compositions, and numerous pieces for the piano, flute, strings, electric guitar, and harpsichord.

On her return to France she continued her studies with Darius Milhaud and Olivier Messiaen at the Conservatoire national supérieur de Musique in Paris.

Artists and groups who have performed her works include William Christie, Claude Helffer, Kim Kashkashian and Kent Nagano, the Ensemble Intercontemporain, the London Sinfonietta, and the Philharmonia Orchestra.

Honours

Grand prix national de la musique, 1974 Grand prix de la ville de Paris, 1981 Grand prix de la SACEM, 1982 Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, 1985 Prix international Maurice Ravel, 1992 Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, 1997