 A student of Edward Goll in Australia and of Sir Arnold Bax in London during the 1920s, Sutherland wrote pieces in almost all forms, but particularly concentrated on the genre of chamber music.Her major works include a symphony, "The Four Temperaments" (orchestrated by Robert W. Hughes in 1964), concertos for various instruments (including violin), a symphonic poem entitled "Haunted Hills" (1953), and the chamber opera "The Young Kabbarli" (1964; libretto by Maie Casey).A severe stroke in 1969 ended her composing career.