12 Facts About Geraldine Connor

Geraldine Connor, PhD, MMus, LRSM, DipEd, was a British ethnomusicologist, theatre director, composer and performer, who spent significant periods of her life in Trinidad and Tobago, from where her parents had migrated to Britain in the 1940s.

Geraldine Connor's father was actor, singer and folklorist Edric Connor and her mother was theatrical agent and cultural activist Pearl Connor.

Geraldine Connor is best known for having written, composed and directed Carnival Messiah, a spectacular work that "married the European classical tradition of oratorio with masquerade and musical inspiration from the African diaspora".

Geraldine Roxanne Connor was born in Paddington, London, into an artistic Trinidadian family and was the elder child of her parents Edric and Pearl Connor.

Geraldine Connor then attended Camden School for Girls in London, from 1968 to 1971.

Geraldine Connor went on to graduate from London's Royal College of Music in 1974, subsequently returning to Trinidad to continue her studies.

Geraldine Connor earned a diploma of education from Valsayn Teacher Training College and in 1981 became a licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music in classical voice, meanwhile teaching music from 1976 to 1984 at Queen's Royal College, and conducting extramural vocal classes at the University of the West Indies.

Geraldine Connor returned to London to work as education supervisor of Brent Black Music Co-operative, and worked with great success on arrangements for Ebony Steel Band, based in Notting Hill.

Geraldine Connor was awarded a master of music degree in ethnomusicology from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University, in 1995, with a dissertation based on research into "Culture, identity and the music of Notting Hill carnival".

Geraldine Connor's forte was typified by large-scale, spectacular productions incorporating music and dance.

Geraldine Connor died aged 59 on 21 October 2011 at Harrogate District Hospital, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, following a heart attack.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Geraldine Connor Foundation organised an on-line event to celebrate Windrush Day.