Joyce, Eileen (1908–1991)

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Joyce, Eileen (1908–1991)

Australian pianist. Born Eileen Alannah Joyce in Zeehan, Tasmania, Nov 12, 1908; died Mar 25, 1991, in Westerham, England.

Popular in UK and the English-speaking world, was brought to the attention of Percy Grainger while still young; went to Europe where she studied with Max Pauer, Tobias Matthay, and Artur Schnabel; gave British premiere performances of Dmitri Shostakovich's 2 piano concertos (1936 and 1958); gave countless concerts for British commonwealth troops during WWII; can be heard on the haunting soundtrack for film Brief Encounter, playing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto #1; appeared in several films, including one based on her childhood, Wherever She Goes. Awarded the rank of Companion to the Order of St. Michael and St. George (1981).