VIOLINIST RETURNS AFTER 32 YEARS

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31974, 29 April 1969, Page 2

VIOLINIST RETURNS AFTER 32 YEARS

Thirty-two years ago, Miss Claire Simpson left New Zealand because there was no conservatorium here. Back for the flrat time—as subleader of the second violins in the English Chamber Orchestra—she is disappointed to find the situation unchanged.

“My father very courageously sold up everything he had and took the family in two stages to Australia, so that my two sisters and I ; could study al the New South Wales Conservatorium in Sydney,” said Miss Simpson in Christchurch yesterday. “At that time there was talk of starting a conservatorium in New Zealand, but that was 32 years ago and there still isn’t one. I think: this Is a great shame. So much talent has come from 1 New Zealand, but it must all go abroad because there is no real centre for musicians to study.” ISOLATION DANGER The finest of teachers could not prevent musicians from becoming isolated, and this was the major advantage of a conservatorium. Not only could musicians get together to study, but they could also exchange views. Miss Simpson said a musical centre was very important if a nation was to have a flourishing musical life. Thrilled to be back in New Zealand, where she was born, Miss Simpson has vivid memories of the countryside. “I always thought it was one of the most beautiful countries in the world, even

though I was so young when I left. As a child. I never knew a holiday any other way than camping—thanks to my father."

The Simpson family came to Christchurch from Auck-

land when Miss Simpson was i about seven. Her father was station director of 3ZB when it first opened. MOTHER A PIANIST "My mother, Phil Gallaher, was well known as a pianist. I believe she was the first woman in New Zealand and Australia to gain a scholarship to a musical academy in England," said Miss Simpson. “Unfortunately, her parents were very Victorian and would not allow their young daughter to go off alone.” Before the family moved to Australia Miss Simpson’s elder sister played as a piano soloist with orchestras in New Zealand. Her other sister, Lois, is now principal cellist in the Sydney SymI phony Orchestra and Lois’s {husband, John Painter, is

i cellist with the Sydney I Quartet. Miss Simpson did solo work with the Sydney Symphony and other orchestras in Australia, before going to New York, and from there to England. She has been a freelance member of the English Chamber Orchestra for seven years.

Miss Simpson was also a member for three years of the Gabrieli String Quartet, whose leader, Kenneth Sillito, is also leader of the English Chamber Orchestra.

Mrs Golding in private life, she has a daughter, Julia, aged eight. Their home is in London.