| Summary |
MS Acc04/252 includes correspondence, music, programs, reviews, press cuttings, diaries, posters, photographs, videos, audio cassettes and reel-to-reel tapes (14 boxes, 7 cartons, 1 oversize item).
The Acc05/150 instalment comprises a complete set of VHS videos of performances by Geoffrey Parsons, plus a set of DVD copies. Some are amateur, some are from the BBC and ABC and one is a commercial release. Also, some cassettes and spool tapes, the first results of the audio copying project. The collection also includes letters, colour transparencies and other items and a visitors' book (5 boxes).
The Acc05/186 instalment consists of sound recordings of Parsons accompanying various artists: audiocassettes, spool tapes, DAT tape and CDs, most with CD copies (3 boxes).
The Acc06/117 instalment comprises papers relating to the 2005 Geoffrey Parsons Memorial Concert, including programs, advertising brochures, newspaper and magazine cuttings (1 folder).
The Acc07/16 instalment includes approximately 80 photographs relating to Parsons' life and career, 1960s to 1990s. Also, one CD relating to Parsons' memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral in 1995 (1 box).
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| Biography/History |
Pianist. Geoffrey Penwill Parsons was born in Sydney in 1929 and studied at the NSW Conservatorium of Music with Richard Bonynge and Malcolm Williamson. Parsons left Australia for London in 1950 but returned regularly to tour as a pianist and accompanist. Parsons recorded and staged recitals in more than 40 countries with such singers as Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Janet Baker, Victoria de los Angeles, Jessye Norman, Gerhard Husch, Gwyneth Jones and Hans Hotter. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1977. In 1990 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to music. He was named the Royal Philharmonic Society's Instrumentalist of the Year in 1992. Parsons died in London in 1995. The Geoffrey Parsons Award was named in his memory by the Accompanists' Guild of South Australia.
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| Notes |
Manuscript reference no.: MS Acc04/252, MS Acc05/150, MS Acc05/186, MS Acc06/117, MS Acc07/16.
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