For most of the 15 years she resided in New Zealand Mrs W. H. Foley was a star. She introduced many people to dramatic productions and whenever she appeared settlers crowded into the little halls which passed for theatres to experience the much-publicised magic of her performances.
Blanche of Castile (1187-1252), Queen of France
Vittoria Colonna (1490-1547), an Italian poet
For more than two decades she gave pleasure to thousands of radio listeners with her eclectic and intelligently planned radio recitals, but her most important contribution to her adopted country was as the first woman to gain a measure of national repute as a composer. By writing successfully for symphony orchestra she effectively dispelled the myth that women could only produce small-scale works for drawing-room performance. Together with the younger Dorothea Franchi and Dorothy Freed, she led the way for many other women who have made their mark as composers in New Zealand since the mid 1960s.
German abbess and mystic who organized a school of nurses for service in the hospitals; noted composer whose works are still performed today, as well as a brewer and herbalist who described using hops in beer.
Composer of traditional and contemporary Māori music and was one of the foremost authorities on historical chants of Te Arawa.
Australian opera singer of international renown
Rita Moreno has influenced the entertainment industry for over 70 years as an actress, singer, and dancer. After earning the four major entertainment awards: an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony, Moreno became the first Latina woman to have an “E.G.O.T.” In 2004, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her many contributions to the arts.
Margaret Ogg was a journalist and a leader in the suffrage campaign in Queensland, where she also aligned herself with temperance reform.
Georgia Lee was a jazz and blues singer of international renown who, in the 1950s was called ‘Melbourne’s Number One Female Singer’. Of Torres Strait Islander and Cloncurry Aboriginal descent, she was the first Indigenous artist to record a full album, and the first Australian to record one in stereo.