Sellick, Phyllis (b. 1911)

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Sellick, Phyllis (b. 1911)

English pianist. Born in Newburg Park, Essex, England, June 16, 1911; studied at Royal Academy of Music in London and then with Isidor Philipp in Paris; m. Cyril James Smith (pianist), 1937.

Often appeared with husband in works for 2 pianos written by British composers Ralph Vaughan Williams and Lennox Berkeley; gave world premiere of Michael Tippett's 1st Piano Sonata (1938); continued duo-piano partnership with husband even after he suffered a stroke that cost him use of one of his hands, performing piano music arranged—or in some instances composed—for 3 hands; began teaching at Royal College of Music (1964). Granted the Order of the British Empire (1971).