First International Conference on Women's Work in Music

  • Stephen Rees (Speaker)

    Activity: Participating in or organising an eventParticipation in Academic conference

    Description

    ‘Tessie Thomas: The Welsh Violinist’

    Abstract:
    Among British violinists active during the first third of the twentieth century, Neath-born Tessie Thomas stands out as a remarkable prodigy. Brought up in a musical family, she was already performing virtuoso showpieces by Sarasate at the age of ten; shortly thereafter, she was sponsored by a local J.P. to further her studies in Budapest under the tutelage of the internationally renowned violinist and pedagogue, Jenő Hubay (1858–1937). She made a widely acclaimed London debut in 1917, performing as soloist at the Queen’s Hall promenade concerts; one of her programmes included Edward Elgar’s Violin concerto, conducted by the composer.

    During 1917–18, she performed throughout South Wales, including a concerto performance at the Neath National Eisteddfod of 1918. The years immediately following the war saw her give solo and chamber performances across the United Kingdom, and release a number of recordings on 78rpm discs.

    In this paper, I trace the performing career of Tessie Thomas and locate her within a significant tradition of female instrumental soloists from Britain. I also analyse the career trajectory of a spectacularly talented violinist during the years c.1910–c.1925, at a period when possibilties for advanced instrumental training in Wales were scarce.
    Period6 Sept 2017
    Event typeConference
    LocationBangor, United KingdomShow on map
    Degree of RecognitionInternational

    Keywords

    • Wales
    • Violinist
    • Tessie Thomas
    • Recording
    • Jenő Hubay
    • Neath
    • Eisteddfod
    • 1918
    • World War I
    • Hungary
    • HMV
    • virtuoso
    • Vieuxtemps
    • Edward Elgar (composer)
    • Edward Elgar (conductor)