Bright, Dora

1863-

An English pianist and composer. Born in Sheffield. Studied first with her father, who was an excellent amateur violinist. At his death, in 1881, she entered the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied composition under Prout, and the piano under Walter Macfarren. In 1884 she gained the Potter prize and in 1888, the Lucas medal for composition, being the first woman to have that honor. She remained at the Academy until 1888 and during that time produced several important compositions. In 1882 she appeared at the Promenade concerts, Covent Garden, and in 1891, at the Crystal Palace concerts, playing her own piano concerto in A minor. In 1892, she played her Fantasia in G for piano and orchestra at the Philharmonic concerts. This was the first time that a composition by a woman was allowed to go on the program of that society. In 1889, she began piano recitals, making a tour of the Continent with great success. In 1892, Miss Bright married Capt. Knatchbill, of Bath. From 1892 to 1895 she gave recitals from the works of English composers. Her compositions include a concerto for piano; a concerto in A minor for piano and orchestra; a Fantasia in G; quartet for piano and strings; suite for violin and piano; duet for two pianos; solo pieces for piano and flute and twelve songs.