Margot MacGibbon
Margot MacGibbon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 March 1906 |
| Died | 4 September 1998 (aged 92) |
| Alma mater | Royal Academy of Music |
| Occupations | Violinist; teacher |
| Known for | The MacGibbon Quartet (founder and leader) |
| Spouse | Frederick Jackson (married 1931) |
Margot MacGibbon (13 March 1906 – 4 September 1998)[1] was an Australian violinist and teacher, who was in the "top echelons" of chamber musicians.[1] Her MacGibbon string quartet existed for almost 50 years.[1][2]
Early life
[edit | edit source]Margot MacGibbon was born in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia on 13 March 1906.[1] As a child, she received lessons from her aunt in both piano and violin, before settling on the latter and performing solo in local concerts.[1]
In 1927, MacGibbon was awarded an Associated Board Scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London.[1] She studied violin with Spencer Dyke, piano with Frank Britton, and harmony with Harry Farjeon.[1] Later, she studied under the pianist Clifford Curzon, and violin with Sascha Lasserson.[1][3] While at the academy, she won a number of prizes, and while still a student was made sub-professor in ensemble playing.[1]
In 1931 she married Frederick Jackson, who she had met while at the Royal Academy of Music.[1] Jackson was a pianist and choirmaster.[1] Following their marriage, the couple toured Europe, Australia, and New Zealand - described as "musically inseparable".[1] He died in 1972, while conducting a performance.[1]
Career
[edit | edit source]MacGibbon formed her string quartet in 1936, going on to perform regularly around the UK, and frequently broadcast on the BBC.[1][4] The MacGibbon Quartet gave regular concert series at London's Conway Hall from 1936 to 1969.[5] As well as in her own quartet, MacGibbon performed many times with others over the course of her career, including with well-known ensembles such as the English Chamber Orchestra.[1]
She was a founding member of the London Mozart Players under Harry Blech.[1] Blech praised MacGibbon as an excellent player, saying: “I always liked to have her near the front".[2]
The Musical Times wrote that:
For Margot MacGibbon, versatility was both a professional strength and source of personal pride; but perfectionism of craft was no less central to her approach music.[5]
In 1979, MacGibbon co-founded The Sascha Lasserson Memorial Trust, serving on the panel of adjudicators for the international Lasserson Memorial Violin Competition.[1][6][2]
Margot MacGibbon continued playing into her nineties, even after suffering a stroke.[1] She still taught, and prepared pupils for exams, at the age of 90.[2]
She died in London on 4 September 1998.[1] The Times remembered her as "a musician of formidable character, and natural talent", and "a tiny, colourful and complex person".[2] In 1999, the Margot MacGibbon Award for an Australian violinist was established at the Royal Academy of Music, in her memory.[7]
References
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