Dorking Library – Dame Ethel Smith, Surrey Composer

80th Anniversary Event • Tuesday 7 May • 6pm to 8pm

Dorking Library, St Martin’s Walk Dorking RH4 2AD

Part of the Surrey Cultural Lives Project

This talk introduces the life and work of composer, author, suffragette, and Surrey resident Dame Ethel Smyth (1858–1944), on the eve of the 80th anniversary of her death. Smyth’s music – which is currently enjoying a significant resurgence of interest internationally – includes six operas, a Mass in D, a double concerto for violin and horn, an hour-long oratorio, and a range of other orchestral, vocal, chamber, and keyboard works.

Smyth lived in Surrey for much of her life, having moved to the county as a child in 1867, when her family settled in Frimley Green. She moved permanently to Hook Heath in 1910 and was awarded the DBE in 1922; one hundred years later, her life-size-plus statue was unveiled in Woking town centre.

Please arrive 15 minutes ahead so that you can be served tea/coffee and find a seat.

Key information about booking:

• The event starts at 6pm to 8pm
• The event is suitable for adults
• Please book a ticket for each person attending.
• Booking is essential, so be quick to avoid disappointment
• Refreshments will be provided.
• Please arrive 15 minutes early

About Surrey Cultural Lives Project

The Surrey Cultural Lives map brings together the rich stories of Surrey’s distant and recent cultural past.

Funded by the University of Surrey and created by academics and researchers in Surrey and beyond, the map springs from a desire to bring local stories to life and connect people with their local heritage. Surrey has been filled with inspiring stories of creativity, resistance, and community. The county has welcomed diverse communities and also seen its share of conflict. It has been home to Nobel prize winners, ground-breaking artists, rebels and innovators. From the top of Leith Hill to the basin of the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Surrey is home to a range of cultural stories which the map brings to life in accessible ways. Explorers of the map can follow the links at the bottom of individual entries to find out more about the stories that interest you most. You can even provide us with some of your own reflections or suggest a Surrey life that you think we should include. To find out more about the project visit Surrey Cultural Lives

If you are not able to or do not wish to provide us with any contact details (landline or mobile number and email address) you won’t be able to purchase a ticket online. Please visit the library that is hosting the event to purchase a ticket in person.