NOREEN STOKES, PIANIST

One artist, who is far too modest to regard herself as a “living legend”, but who more than qualifies as one, is pianist, Noreen Stokes. This fine Adelaide artist appeared many times in concerts within the ranks of the South Australian (later Adelaide) Symphony Orchestra, as well as ‘out front’ periodically as concerto soloist. Indeed, Noreen was for years the epitome of that elite and remarkable species, the “ABC Official Accompanist”, which existed from the early years of the Commission until the 1970s. One or more of these remarkable pianists were to be found in each capital city, and their ‘job description’ required them to play virtually anything, often at sight or extremely limited rehearsal, that scheduled solo artists of all persuasions had programmed. Despite this tall order, they did so consistently and with such flair and all-round musical grace and polish, that they were unarguably within the peak echelon of professional performers and the lifeblood of ABC music broadcasting. Certainly those traditionally terse words at the end of programs, “and the accompanist was….” seriously short-changed their value and excellence.

Yet, apart from that meagre phrase, perceptive co-artists and knowledgeable music lovers were all too aware and admiring of their underlying skills and collaborative contribution. From the 1970s, along with further reductions in its in-house creative talents, the ABC’s Official Accompanists were replaced by casual accompanists who shared the ever-diminishing number of live studio recitals and recordings which had been routinely presented in the earlier halcyon decades of the National Broadcaster.

Prior to joining the staff of the ABC, Noreen Stokes had trained in England where she had shown clear signs of exceptional musical talent and keyboard brilliance. Following Jessica Dix as the ABC’s Official Accompanist in Adelaide, she played for hundreds of artists – some of high calibre, others less experienced - and covered the widest spectrum of repertoire. Her well remembered personal hallmarks included an unassuming efficiency (‘unflappability’ might be more accurate), however difficult the music she found in front of her, and polished performances and interpretations were always the outcome. Noreen Stokes’ calibre was widely respected across the music community, and not surprisingly she toured with various overseas visiting celebrities throughout Australia as their pianist in quite demanding public performances.

For many years in Adelaide, her rosters included regular duties as pianist with the ABC’s Radio Chorus, The Adelaide Singers, and more than occasional appearances as concerto soloist with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. As a former colleague in Adelaide, I am just one of hundreds of artists who worked with Noreen Stokes over the years with both the Singers and the Orchestra, (and even a few times, very early on, as a flute recitalist) who recalls, with admiration and gratitude, her enormously accomplished and gracious support.

Patrick Thomas, MBE

September 2006