Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph is a South African composer, pianist and pedagogue. She studied at the University of Pretoria under the tutelage of Stefans Grové and later furthered her studies at the Royal College of Music, London receiving tuition from John Lambert and Tristram Cary. 

Zaidel-Rudolph was invited by György Ligeti to join his composition in class. He greatly influenced her work. In 1979, she became the first woman in South Africa to obtain her Doctorate in Composition. 

Zaidel-Rudolph also specialised in piano performance receiving lessons from Goldie Zaidel, Philip Levy, Adolph Hallis and John Lill (London).

Her work involves a wide array genres and styles including symphonies to chamber, choral, ballet, rock opera, film and solo instrumental music. 

In 1995, upon the request of Nelson Mandela, Zaidel-Rudolph arranged a composite version of South Africa’s current national anthem. She also composed He Walked to Freedom for Mandela’s honorary doctorate ceremony in 1997.

Source: 

Zaidel-Rudolph, Jeanne. University of Pretoria. Available: https://www.up.ac.za/sacomposers/article/2757932/zaidel-rudolph-jeanne [2023, 6 September].