"Marriage Drain” For Women Pianists

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32350, 16 July 1970, Page 2

"Marriage Drain” For Women Pianists

The Australian - born pianist, Maureen Jones, attributes the relative scarcity of successful women pianists to the “marriage drain.” “When you think about it,” she said in Christchurch yesterday, “you realise there are very few woman pianists compared with the number of men. “A lot of women are happy to marry and settle down. It takes determination and stamina to carry on.” With all the highly-strung, bone-thin looks of a high fashion mode), the blond, tanned Miss Jones certainly does not seem robust. Yesterday she was probably suffering from the pre-concert nerves to which she is prone—*l usually don’t give interviews the day of a concert”—and planned to spend the afternoon quietly. She does not have a formula for keeping healthy on tour, but admits it is a hard life. “It’s strenuous but very interesting. I think artists are very fortunate people, 6 she said. NOT LONELY Because she does a lot of work in chamber music, and with orchestras, Miss Jones does not find the life of a solo artist lonely. “I meet a lot of people. I’ve met a lot of nice people in Christchurch. Sometimes 1 don’t have time to see much of the countries in which '1 travel, but usually make a point of seeing as much as possible,” she said. This is Miss Jones's third

visit to New Zealand. For many years she was the permanent pianist with the Musica Viva Players, and travelled through Australia and New Zealand. When the group disbanded Miss Jones decided to go to Europe, and it was there she met her husband Dario di Rosa. ALL PLAY The couple live in Trieste, Italy, with their 10-year-old daughter, Nicoletta. With three pianists, theirs is a household of music. Miss Jones’s husband is the pianist with the Trio di Trieste, and they often give recitals of original piano music for four hands. Both teach at the Tri este Conservatorium. Nicoletta is learning the piano, but her mother does not think she will play pro fessionally. Nicoletta is being looked

after at home and Miss Jones does not consider she suffers from her absences. “I had to slow down a bit when she was bom, but now I want to go on playing as long as I'm able. ' Asked if she and her husband ever; clashed temperamentally or professionally, Miss Jones replied: "Certainty not professionally. It’s wonderful really, we have the same ideas of interpretation. I don't find It a strain at alt, working with him.” FASHION FLAIR Miss Jones is touring New Zealand for the Chamber Music Federation as a duo team with the Italian violinist Roberto Michelucci, and appearing with the N.Z.B.C. Symphony as concerto soloist. Unlike many artists she has a flair for fashion, and just the right slender figure for today’s styles. *««***#*<**#***4NM***»****t

Toastmistress Officers. — The Avon Toastmistress Club has elected the following officers: president, Mrs Josie Laing; vice-presidents, Mesdames Anne Sutherland and Dot Rice; secretary, Miss Maryanne Roche; hostess, Mrs Noemi Roche.