MetSO Musical Friendships
By Daphne, John & Margaret
(as told to Ann)
The MetSO in its 40+ year history has cultivated many deep musical friendships.
One of these is the story of Daphne and John (& Margaret & Sandra ++).
This story started out about Daphne and John, but given the fact that these two were here from the beginning of WA music - and know everybody - it very soon grew to include another of our original MetSO members Margaret, then Sandra, and then of course Sir Frank Callaway, Ronald Thomas, Ashley Arbuckle – is there anyone they don’t know?
The so called “three degrees of separation” means that in places like Perth and Kalgoorlie back in the 40s and 50s – you knew pretty much everyone. Daphne, John, and Margaret all spent some time in Kalgoorlie – but I am told that is not really relevant to the story – I suspect again everyone in WA has some connection to Kalgoorlie musical or otherwise.
John and Daphne originally met in the WA Youth Orchestra right back in 1948! They joined up on the very same night. John was 12, and Daphne a touch older (but we won’t divulge a lady’s age). Daphne led the orchestra, and then went onto the University Strings. John in turn led the orchestra, and then finally followed Daphne onto the University Strings also.
They were not only members of the same orchestra, they were also friends and played duets together. They were very keen young musicians, but it was not so easy for young musicians in Perth at this time.
John had his Grade 7 AMEB exam in Winthrop Hall (UWA). The Hall was quite empty that day – even of chairs. It was just the examiner (Mr Bishop) flown in from interstate, his mother as accompanist, and young John on his violin having to fill that vast space. How daunting!
Daphne became a physiotherapist. During her study at UWA - Professor Callaway (Sir Frank Callaway) began the music department and a string orchestra was formed (the University Strings – mentioned above). Daphne was persuaded to change from violin to viola.
Daphne, John and Margaret all knew Professor Callaway. Daphne baby-sat his kids, Margaret was friends with his daughter, and Margaret’s Mum was very keen on helping with any project / endeavour that he was running. In the same group of young players there was also a young Ronald Thomas (future violin virtuoso) and Ashley Arbuckle (future WASO Concert Master). This must have been an extraordinary time to be in the violin world in Perth – we need the MetSO gang to tell us more stories of these days!
8th Annual Youth Orchestra Concert 1952 in Winthrop Hall - program extract.
Daphne met and married her husband Warwick, and then later Daphne and Warwick attended John’s wedding to his wife Alwynne.
Their paths in life diverged. They went in different directions.
John became a Marine Engineer on commercial shipping.
Daphne and Warwick moved to Sydney, where she was able to have viola lessons at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (The Con). Daphne played in the Con’s orchestra and other groups.
On their return to Perth contact was resumed with John and Alwynne.
Daphne and Margaret became original members of the MetSO (then called the Karrinyup Orchestra) in 1977. We have another original member still playing with the MetSO on French Horn - Sandra McKenna - she joined as a teenager.
John was overseas when his mother died. Daphne saw the obituary for John’s Mum in the paper and sent a card, which was forwarded very far across the seas to John. When he was back in Perth he caught up with Daphne who was playing in the MetSO. Daphne said when he was finished with the sea there would always be a place at MetSO for him.
When he did eventually retire from the sea– John hadn’t played for 30 years. He had been a hard working Engineer, building a life and supporting his family. John set about finding a teacher and rebuilding his playing. His teacher was “old school” – Kreutzer, Donte, Tartini’s “The Devil’s Trills” etc.
John, as always, worked hard.
“I was able to facilitate John’s return to orchestral playing when John left the sea”, writes Daphne.
John joined the MetSO about 26 years ago.
Daphne and John have been MetSO musical buddies again for over a quarter of a century.
Daphne, Margaret and Sandra have been MetSO musical buddies for over 40 years.
However, the record goes to :
Daphne, John and Margaret who have been WA musical buddies for over 70 years – from childhood throughout their entire lives.
John’s 1951 - “The Fleet’s In” - WA Counry tour with Ashley Arbuckle - program extract.
John’s 1957 solo performance in the Kalgoorlie Town Hall
After retiring John has also taken up other more land-based pursuits – growing prize-winning orchids. Ask John about his Cymbidiums – Boat Orchids - very appropriate for a man of the sea!
Daphne writes, “Over the years we enjoyed meals together at a Yacht Club, admired the orchids, and had a fabulous tour of a special ship on which John served. Alwynne was a good support when my husband died and when I had cancer. P.S. We also had a mutual interest in the ocean, snorkelling and sailing” .
Wonderful Friendships - Bonded over music.
Daphne Davies – MetSO Original Member, and violist of delightfully engaging style (I love to watch Daphne on the MetSO videos).
John Hurford – MetSO Violinist, MetSO Life Member, and past President.
Margaret Anderton – MetSO Original Member, and violinist of great wit and charm.
Sandra McKenna – MetSO Original Member, French horn player extraordinaire –with exceptional energy for all things musical.
MetSO John
MetSO Daphne