Musical pioneers honoured

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Tags: music, summer-2011

An occasion to remember: Max Olding and Pamela Page receive their honorary doctorates from Academic Registrar Linda Bird and UQ Chancellor Mr John Story

Renowned concert pianists Max Olding and Pamela Page shared the concert stage in Brisbane earlier this year for a performance of a different kind.

On May 29, the long-serving UQ staff members were not seated at the piano, but standing before Chancellor Mr John Story at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre to receive the University’s highest honour.

The pair’s contributions to music and music education in Australia were recognised with the degree of Doctor of Music honoris causa. It was a special occasion for the couple, who first met on stage in London 56 years previously when they tied for first place in the inaugural Royal Trust Fund Competition.

Both were studying in London at the time of their first encounter. Mr Olding had graduated from the University of Melbourne and won the ABC Young Performers Competition in 1952. Ms Page had given her first ABC broadcast at the age of four and completed concurrent AMusA and LMusA awards by 15 before moving to London to study at Trinity College. There she won the Maude Seton Prize as the most outstanding student.

Mr Olding says he was smitten at first sight, and the couple’s lifelong personal and professional partnership has contributed enormously to the musical life of Australia.

Ms Page joined UQ in 1968 to teach into the new Bachelor of Music degree, serving as a full-time staff member until 1996 before returning in a part-time capacity. Mr Olding joined the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and started teaching at UQ on his retirement. Though 82, he is still a familiar face in the corridors and piano studios on campus.

Head of the School of Music Professor Margaret Barrett said she was delighted to see the pair recognised for their enduring contributions to music.

“Max Olding and Pamela Page have given so much to music in Australia over many years – as teachers, performers and recording artists; through their service to the AMEB, and as adjudicators at so many competitions. It was very fitting that their contributions be recognised by the University in this way,” Professor Barrett said.

Mr Olding said the ceremony was an occasion of great personal significance.

“These awards mark the point at which the wheel has turned full circle. They are in a sense the culmination of the duality that has been the basis of a wonderful partnership, in both our personal and professional lives,” he said.

However, their journey is not over. A proud moment for the couple occurred last year when their talented UQ music student Oliver She won the prestigious ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year Award – the same prize Mr Olding had himself secured in 1952.

Mr Olding says his award-winning pupil is an extraordinarily talented and highly motivated performer who is unflappable under pressure – the attributes of someone who will make his mark in the music profession.

Oliver She performs Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

Following the acceptance of their honorary doctorates on stage, Mr She was on hand to demonstrate the results of the pair’s fine teaching, performing Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto. The young musician joined with the UQ Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Warwick Potter, in a stirring showcase of pianism that was warmly received.

Throughout their long careers, the couple have performed in venues ranging from the Sydney Opera House to air force hangars. Their passion to communicate the joy of music and respect for each others’ musicianship have been defining aspects of their lives. Their involvement in music remains undiminished and their motto remains: “While we can, we shall.”

By David Mayocchi

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