MISS EILEEN JOYCE

Evening Star, Issue 22442, 12 September 1936, Page 11

MISS EILEEN JOYCE

WORLD FAMOUS YOUNG PIANIST On Monday, September 21, in the Town Hall, the National Broadcasting Service will present the world-famous pianist, Miss Eileen Joyce, who has had a wonderful reception in Wellington. Among the numbers to be p.ayed is the ‘ Symphonic Variations ’ by Cesar Franck, with orchestral accompaniment by 4YA Orchestra of 40 players, conducted by Gil Dech. The vocalist will be Wilfred’ Kershaw, bass, and the accompaniste Clarice Drake. The story of Eileen Joyce’s rise to world fame as a pianist is a story of the irresistible force of _ superlative natural gifts, combined with an iron determination to succeed. Born at

Zeehan, Tasmania, she remembers nothing of that place. Her father was an Irish-Australian labourer following the smelting trade. He took his family to West Australia imbued with the idea of living in the bush, where at an early age Miss Joyce can remember her* father’s family and her unde’s family living in two tents in rough bush country. Water was so scarce that personal washing was only possible occasionally. She remembers blacks, dingoes, snakes, arid bush fires. A fire ultimately burnt the tent, and the family were compelled, to seek more hospitable quarters, and so moved to Boulder City. A priest spoke of her to the nuns of the Loreto Convent. The nuns assisted! her immensely, giving her books, clothes, care and comfort, and her pianoforte playing improved to such an' extent that she was soon recognised as a potential celebrity. Then Backhaus, while on tour, heard her, and he decreed that she should go to Leipzig. Friends helped her, and with that help and her own efforts she was able to proceed to Europe. At Leipzig she was lonely, but she worked hard with brilliant professors and made great progress. Since then this gifted girl has delighted the critical audiences of Europe. There will be special concession terms for students and pupils booking in parties of five or more. Seats at 3s and 2s can be reserved without booking fee. The box plan will be opened at Begg’s on Wednesday morning, and the proceeds are for the mayor’s relief of distress fund.