Ruth Schönthal

Ruth Schönthal was a renowned German composer, pianist, and educator, born in 1924. She spent the majority of her life in the United States, where she established herself as a prominent figure in the classical music scene. Initially born with the name Ruth Esther Hadassah Schönthal, she later dropped the umlaut from her surname after relocating to the U.S.

Schönthal's musical career took a significant turn in 1946 when she enrolled at Yale University to study composition. Her time at Yale laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Following her marriage in 1950, she resided in New York City and later in New Rochelle, continuing to pursue her passion for music as a composer, pianist, and teacher. Throughout her life, Schönthal garnered acclaim for her contributions to the world of classical music, leaving a lasting legacy until her passing in 2006.