ERIC PARKIN (1924 – 2020)
This distinguished pianist, born in Stevenage, has died aged 95. He studied at Trinity College, London and at first was a ‘cocktail pianist’ at the Mayfair Hotel. He was soon persuaded to switch to classical repertoire. His Wigmore Hall debut (1948) featured Beethoven and Chopin but he soon became known for championing British music. Parkin played John Ireland’s piano concerto three times at the Proms in the 1950s. Ireland’s Legend was also part of his repertoire, along with music by Arnold Bax, Frank Bridge, William Baines, E.J Moeran and, on the lighter side, Billy Mayerl. He broadcast and recorded frequently and in the later years was a teacher at Reading University.
Philip L. Scowcroft
I was fortunate enough to receive piano tuition from this great musician. A sad loss. He was a lovely person, with limitless talent.
I knew and worked alongside Eric at Bulmershe College in the 70’s and 80’s; also recorded him performing a work by Peter Dickinson for two taped pianos to be performed with Eric playing a a third part live. This work was also featured on ‘The South Bank Show’. Lovely man, carried out repairs to his greenhouse once for which he was very grateful but never did get round to the BBQ he was going to invite my wife and I to!