Mary Helena Synge (8 July 1840 – 5 February 1917) was an Irish composer, pianist, and singer who spent many years in England, where she died. Synge was born in Parsonstown to Margaret Jemima Saunders, Edward Synge, and a family of musicians and writers descended from the Archbishop Edward Synge. Her cousin was the author

John Millington Synge Edmund John Millington Synge (; 16 April 1871 – 24 March 1909) was an Irish playwright, poet, writer, collector of folklore, and a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival. His best known play ''The Playboy of the Western World'' was poorly r ...

. Some of their correspondence is archived at Trinity College Dublin. Synge studied piano and singing at the

Royal Conservatory of Brussels The Royal Conservatory of Brussels (french: Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles, nl, Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel) is a historic conservatory in Brussels, Belgium. Starting its activities in 1813, it received its official name in 1832. Provid ...

. She gave piano recitals throughout Ireland and England. A recital in London on 10 July 1883, received favourable reviews. She performed in Cork later that year, and at the Antient Concert Rooms in Dublin in 1893. Synge’s music was published by Ashdown & Parry, Weekes & Company, and Year Book Press of London. Her compositions include:

Piano

*''Album Leaves'' (collection) *''Danse Caprice'' *''Impromptu'' *''Kalakaua Gavotte'' *''Royal Marine Artillery Gavotte''

Vocal

*“Eternity” *“Farewell” (text by Miss E. Barnard) *“Fate” *“Happy Children” *“Spring” (for three voices) *“Spring Story” (text by Emmoren) *“Time”

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Synge, Mary Helena Irish women composers 1840 births 1917 deaths Royal Conservatory of Brussels alumni People from Birr, County Offaly Musicians from County Offaly 19th-century Irish composers 20th-century Irish composers 19th-century women composers 20th-century women composers