Ruth Dorothy Louisa (“Wid”) Gipps MBE was an influential English composer, oboist, pianist, conductor, and educator. Born in 1921, she created a diverse range of music, including five symphonies and seven concertos. Gipps founded the London Repertoire Orchestra and the Chanticleer Orchestra, significantly impacting music education. She was awarded an MBE in 1981 for her contributions to music. From a young age, Gipps showed exceptional talent, performing publicly at just four years old. She studied at the Royal College of Music and later at Durham University, where she earned a doctorate in music. Gipps faced challenges in her career, including discrimination, which shaped her determination to succeed. She became a prominent figure in conducting, establishing orchestras that showcased new works. Gipps’ music is known for its rich instrumental colour and reflects influences from her teachers, including Vaughan Williams. Despite her achievements, her music was often overlooked in her lifetime. Gipps’ legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians, particularly women in the arts, highlighting her role in advocating for female composers.