Interviewed by BBC Radio 3's Patroc Trelawny, Fanny Waterman, aged ninety-four, is a remarkable woman. Not only has she been a piano teacher since her early twenties to this day, but she has also created the Leeds International Piano Competition, running from 1962 onwards.
Trelawny's interview revealed a dedicated woman, one with a firm belief in the power of the piano, who grew up in relative obscurity in Leeds, but who eventually attracted attention during wartime with her recitals. However she only really came to national prominence with the creation of the competition, whose winners include Murray Peraiha. There have been controversial moments, when it seems as if the judges have been somewhat parochial in their choices, but as a whole the Festival has provided a valuable outlet for young virtuosi from worldwide to come to the public eye while developing their talents.
Waterman might have retired from the competition organization now, but her influence lives on to this day.
Trelawny's interview revealed a dedicated woman, one with a firm belief in the power of the piano, who grew up in relative obscurity in Leeds, but who eventually attracted attention during wartime with her recitals. However she only really came to national prominence with the creation of the competition, whose winners include Murray Peraiha. There have been controversial moments, when it seems as if the judges have been somewhat parochial in their choices, but as a whole the Festival has provided a valuable outlet for young virtuosi from worldwide to come to the public eye while developing their talents.
Waterman might have retired from the competition organization now, but her influence lives on to this day.
