Death of an Australian violinist, 94
RIPObituaries are appearing for Beryl Kimber, a London-schooled Australian violinist with an international career.
In London, she apeared often with the young Daniel Barenboim and the esteemed accompanist Gerald Moore.
In latter years, she taught for three decades at the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide.
I was not familiar with this artist – my loss — but a quick internet search shows some biographical information that to me is more significant than that she performed with Barenboim and Moore, although that is certainly an indicia of quality.
She studied violin with Georges Enescu and David Oistrakh — and imagine being to claim that your violin treacher was their pupil.
I have to think the number of living Enescu pupils has just about dwindled down to Uto Ughi.
A huge talent..a great loss
It’s honestly refreshing to see that someone deserving of attention actually received it on this website. Mrs. Kimber was basically Australian musical royalty. She never felt the need to constantly push for the spotlight.
I’m so sick of these modern-day nothingburgers who are very strong for the first ten seconds just before you ask yourself that inevitable question: Where’s the music? But rest assured…their parent will be sure to inform you that they are also an international chess champion, math whiz, and award-winning fortune cookie chef.
Beryl was my father`s first cousin, and met her a couple of times in the 50s and early 60s. I got in touch with her in 2020/21. I have the poster of her Wigmore Hall debut, programme of playing with LPO under Sargent at the RFH, and a couple of Melodiya discs of her playing
From 1962 to 64 I learnt the violin at The Elder Conservatorium. During a lesson this lady came in and my teacher Lloyd Davies asked me to play for her. I’ve never forgotten; people live on in our memories.