CHAMINADE, CCILE (LOUISE STPHANIE)

born Aug. 8, 1857, Paris, Fr. died April 18, 1944, Monte-Carlo French composer and pianist known chiefly for her light piano pieces, which she performed on numerous concert tours, particularly in England. Chaminade studied composition with Benjamin Godard, among others. She gave her first public recital at age 18 and made her London debut in 1892. At her American debut in 1908 she played the solo part of her Concertstck with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Although her piano salon music won widespread popularity, her more serious works, which include an opera, a ballet, and orchestral suites, were unsuccessful. She also wrote numerous songs.