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Ruby Claudia Davy (1883–1949)

Dr. Ruby Claudia Davy, noted South Australian born pianist and composer and the first woman Doctor of Music in Australia, died at her home in Melbourne yesterday. She was 64.

A memorial service will be held in Melbourne this morning and her funeral will be held at West Terrace Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Friday.

Dr. Davy was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Davy, of Salisbury, where her mother was well known as a musician and teacher.

When only nine Dr. Davy composed a cantata and gained a senior pianoforte scholarship at 11.

She entered the University of Adelaide in 1901, and two years later received the diploma of associate in music.

In 1907 she graduated Bachelor of Music, and in 1912 was appointed teacher of theory during the absence of Mr. T. H. Jones.

Her Doctorate of Music was awarded in 1918 and when, in 1921, she gained a fellowship of Trinity College of Music, London, she was the first woman outside the UK to gain that distinction.

Dr. Davy's SA centenary composition for chorus and orchestra, Australia Fair And Free, was performed in Adelaide in 1936.

In 1934 Dr. Davy transferred her teaching practice from Prospect to Melbourne. During the war she broadcast for the BBC, and gave lecture-recitals in association with Albert Sammons, violinist.

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Citation details

'Davy, Ruby Claudia (1883–1949)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/davy-ruby-claudia-5918/text24789, accessed 14 November 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

22 November, 1883
Salisbury, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Death

12 July, 1949 (aged 65)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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