Florence Jepperson Madsen

From College of Fine Arts and Communications

"Florence Jepperson Madsen was born December 15, 1886, in Provo, Utah, of Danish ancestry. She received the B.A. degree from BYU, graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music, and was awarded the B.M. and M.M. degrees from the Chicago Musical School, and honorary doctoral degrees from the Chicago and Boguslawski Colleges of Music.

"She was active as vocalist, composer, and teacher, both in the East and in the West, beginning her teaching career at BYU in 1905. Eventually she became professor of music and head of the Music Department, receiving emeritus status in 1952. Through the years she served faithfully in the Church, leading many groups and adding her strength to the General Board of Relief Society and the General Music Committee.

"On August 30, 1922, she and Franklin Madsen were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They raised three adopted girls: Marion – Mrs. Wendell Morgan; Ruth – Mrs. William L. Bracy; and Georgia – Mrs. George W. Baker.

“Franklin and Florence Jepperson Madsen formed an ideal team, not only as husband and wife but as teachers and performers of music.

At the dedication of the Harris Fine Arts Center, a recital hall was named in honor of Franklin and his wife Florence.

"The Franklin and Florence Jepperson Madsen Recital Hall is used during weeks days as a rehearsal room and classroom. It is 108 feet by 92 feet, has continental theatre seating, a stage area large enough for chamber ensemble performances, and a seating capacity of 450 people (Special Program, 16).

References

• Special Program for Naming of Areas, Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center. Tuesday, November 23, 1965 at Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602.

Additional Biographical Sources

• Waterstradt, Jean Anne, ed., They Glady Taught: Ten BYU Professors, Brigham Young University and the Emeritus Club, 1987, volume II, pp. 98-137.