Hall, Cara Vincent (1922–)

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Hall, Cara Vincent (1922–)

New Zealand concert pianist. Name variations: Cara Kelson. Born Cara Vincent Hall, Oct 16, 1922, in Christchurch, New Zealand; dau. of George Francis Hall (accountant) and Gladys Amelia (Vincent) Hall; sister of Charles Stanley Vincent; educated at Fendalton and Elmwood schools, Christchurch, and Wellington East Girls' College; graduate of Royal Academy of Music, London, where she studied piano with Vivian Langrish; studied in Paris with Lazare-Levy and Olivier Messiaen (early 1950s); m. Robert Natahaniel Kelson (political scientist, academic, and author), May 7, 1955; children: Stanley Crispin Kelson (b. Feb 11, 1957).

Played a central role in bringing the story of the vocal orchestra of women POWs in Sumatra to the world's attention; performed on first radio broadcasts (1935); gained the LRSM and awarded a scholarship to study at Royal Academy of Music in London (1937); performed extensively around the world (1940s–50s), and became especially known in New Zealand, where she performed solo in concert halls, in recitals and concertos with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and on radio and in film.

See also "Women POW's of Sumatra" in Women in World History.