Hélène-Gabrielle Fleury-Roy (June 21, 1876 - April 18, 1957) was a French composer, pianist, and teacher, and the first woman ever to win a prize for the Prix de Rome composition competition.

Fleury-Roy studied at the Paris Conservatory, and in the late 1890s, won a composition contest for the Journal Musical Santa Cecilia Reims, with Symphony Allegro, for organ. In 1903 she was admitted to the Prix de Rome competition for composition, but failed the fugue test. She tried again the following year, and won a third prize for her cantata Medora after Edouard Adenis. 

Around 1906, Fluery-Roy began teaching piano in Paris, and a out twenty years later, became a professor at the Conservatory of Toulouse, teaching composition, harmony, and piano.  Her compositions include works for violin, cello, piano, organ, and choir.

Fantaisie for Viola and Piano is a beautifully dark work for viola, that opens up rather ominously, and carries that mood throughout. This piece contains sections of soaring lyricism, requires nimble left hand work, and spans the entire register of the viola. There's also several instances of double stops, giving yet another challenge to the musician. So often many people just hear the viola as an orchestral instrument, but this piece brings the instrument's strengths as a solo instrument out; the viola's richness and range really shine in Fluery-Roy's composition.


We've been unable to find a recording of this to share; we hope that changes soon!