‘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.