MISS ATWELL IMPRESSED

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30759, 25 May 1965, Page 18

MISS ATWELL IMPRESSED

Two-Fingered Pianist

A Christchurch man who can use only two fingers and two thumbs but enjoys playing the piano went backstage at the Theatre Royal last evening to meet the visiting pianist, Winifred Atwell. After he had played one or two tunes for her, Miss Atwell said she thought it "pretty wonderful.” She expressed amazement that Mr Gordon Stuart, of Studholme street, was able to play after a form of paralysis had severely affected his hands years ago. Mr Stuart composes as well as plays. “It’s a hobby with me,” he said. Mr Stuart said that the first musical instrument he played, at the age of eight, was an organ. Since then he had “gone through” several pianos. Because of his limitation classical music was easier for him. "Some of this faster stuff today has me really stumped,” he said. Miss Atwell showed a lively interest in what Mr Stuart had to say. He has sent a record of some of his compositions to her to see what she thinks of them.

Though Miss Atwell has still to comment on this she did have something to say about the pianos she has used during her present tour. “A lot of them fall short,” she said. “The one in Auckland was terrible. This one is not so hot, but the best I’ve had was in Invercargill. It was perfect.”