Dorothy Dorow (23 February 1932 – 24 May 2017) was a British soprano noted for her specialization in contemporary classical music. Born in Liverpool, England, she studied voice at the Royal Academy of Music before embarking on a performing career that emphasized modern repertoire.
Dorow became especially associated with works by composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen, György Ligeti, and Peter Maxwell Davies. Her interpretations of Ligeti’s “Aventures” and “Nouvelles Aventures” and of Stockhausen’s “Stimmung” received critical acclaim and contributed to the wider acceptance of avant‑garde vocal music in the United Kingdom and internationally.
In addition to her concert appearances, Dorow made numerous recordings for labels including Decca, EMI, and Nimbus Records. Notable recordings include Ligeti’s “Aventures” (Decca, 1965) and a collection of 20th‑century English vocal works (Nimbus, 1978).
From the 1970s onward, Dorow was active in music education. She held a professorship in voice at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where she mentored several singers who later pursued careers in contemporary performance. She also gave master classes throughout Europe and North America.
Dorow’s contributions were recognized with several honors, including a nomination for a Gramophone Award for her recording of contemporary vocal music. She remained an influential figure in the promotion of new music until her death in 2017.
