Hillis, Margaret (1921–)

views updated

Hillis, Margaret (1921–)

American conductor. Born Oct 1, 1921, in Kokomo, Indiana; dau. of Bernice (Haynes) Hillis and Elwood Hillis; studied at Indiana University; received Master's in choral conducting, Juilliard School of Music, 1949.

Was a naval flight instructor for 2 years during WWII; founded American Concert Choir and American Concert Orchestra (1950) which made many international tours for the State Department; conducted the Kenosha Symphony in Wisconsin (1961–68); also conducted the Cleveland Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Akron Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among others.

See also Women in World History.

More From encyclopedia.com