Biographical Information

Mary Chandler portrait
Mary Chandler at Oxford
Mary Chandler (1911-1996) was a British composer, oboist, pianist, and teacher. She began her career in 1934 as an English teacher to young girls at grammar schools in London, but in 1944 left teaching for a career in music. She was principal oboist of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra from 1944–1958 and was frequently featured with the orchestra as a composer, oboe soloist, and piano soloist. In 1960 she became Area Director of the Kent Music School building the new center in Tonbridge. She retired from the Kent Music School in 1971 to focus on composing and to continue organizing concerts. In 1931 Mary received her L.R.A.M. in piano performance, studying with Harold Craxton. In 1943 she received her A.R.C.M. in oboe performance, studying with Leon Goossens. She also studied composition with Harry Farjeon while studying at the Blackheath Conservatoire. 

Works List

Mary Chandler wrote roughly 100 works, most of which remain unpublished. Click below to view a list of her compositions.
​

Listen

Very little of her works have been recorded, but here is a taste of her style.

More about Mary

Curious to learn more about Mary's life and her works for
​oboe and English horn?  
Check out here!

Still curious about Mary Chandler?