Pianist’s Return To City After 14 Years

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28998, 12 September 1959, Page 4

Pianist’s Return To City After 14 Years

“Everyone says in London New Zealanders are so friendly, and it certainly strikes you here. As far as I’m concerned I’ve been overwhelmed by kindness and the welcome I’ve had everywhere, which proves they are still the most wonderful people in the world.” said Miss Jean Anderson yesterday. Miss Anderson, who is revisiting Christchurch after a long absence, gave a piano recital in the university hall to a capacity audience yesterday. She left Christchurch amost 14 years ago and she left again after her visit yesterday. She returned to New Zealand last June and has combined a busy musical schedule here with renewing ties with her homeland.

I A former pupil of Ernest EmpIson. she spent five years studying ■at the Royal Academy of Music I in London on an Associated Board scholarship and is now a professor there under the junior exhibitioner scheme. It was in London that she met Mr Frank Hunt, whom she had known as a schoolgirl in Christchurch, and after their marriage she settled in London. Now her two children are of school age she feels she has more time to devote to her music. In addition to her work at the academy she gives broadcast recitals, makes concert appearances and teaches at a London girls’ grammar school. “I have two homes and two loyalties now,” she said, “I love England and the English people, and London in particular.” Discussing the growth in the musical life of New Zealand since she was last here. Miss Anderson said she was especially impressed with the standard of,the National Orchestra and the popularity of chamber music. Miss Anderson has been giving recitals in schools throughout thej country and spoke of the friendliness shown to her. “You feel there is genuine enthusiasm,” she) said. She mentioned the work being done by the New Plymouth Girls' High School, which she thought compared very favourably with musical activities she had seen in schools overseas.

Speaking of the cut-throat competition and frank music criticism overseas she said: “If you praise everything it ceases to be criticism. When a celebrity comes to New Zealand he is a star, whereas in London he is one of a constellation. It is a tremendous drawback not to be able to say what you think. There can be no progress that way. Constructive criticism is useful —provided it is made by those who know what they are talking about. Miss Anderson has had a busy time in New Zealand giving solo performances, lecture recitals to schools and making recordings for the N.Z.B.S. Future engagements include a Bach piano concerto in A Major with the National Orchestra (which she played with the Reginald Jacques Orchestra in February of last year at Wigmore Hall. London), and a Bach piano concerto in D minor with the Alex Lindsay Orchestra. She returns to London in November.