English-born American composer Caryl Florio, pseudonym of William James Robjohn (November 21, 1843- November 2, 1920). As a teenager he sailed with his parents to New York. The youngster became the first boy soloist in New York’s Trinity Church and subsequently worked as an organist and choirmaster as well as touring as an actor. He spent many years at the Vanderbilt estate in Asheville, N.C.
Florio was elected to The Lambs in 1875 and is a charter member.
Florio composed a large amount of music: hymns, chamber music, a piano concerto, a light opera, at least two grand operas and two symphonies. He traveled around the world for performance.
Florio spent most of the last 30 years of his life living in North Carolina. In 1891 he was brought to Biltmore, the estate in Asheville North Carolina of George W. Vanderbilt, to take charge of all music at the home. As well as to oversee the music of Asheville’s All Souls Episcopal Church.
Florio took ill around 1918 and entered the State Hospital in Asheville. He died there November 2, 1920. He was 77 years old. He is interred in Asheville in Riverside Cemetery.
His compositions are preserved: 77 folders of music are sorted in 11 boxes, the Caryl Florio scores, Music Division, The New York Public Library. His scores are still performed today.