[1] She originally planned to be a stage director, but became interested in music and studied composition at the Ciprian Porumbescu Conservatory in Bucharest (now the National University of Music) with Mihail Jora.
After completing her studies in 1956, she worked as an editor for ESPLA until 1958, and then for Editura Muzicala until 1966.
After leaving her editorial position, she worked full-time as a composer, producing works that have been performed internationally.
[2][3] Donceanu died in Drăgoești on 21 January 2022, at the age of 90.
[4] Donceanu composed for stage plays and instrumental ensemble, but focused mostly on chamber works.