We were saddened to hear of the loss of Margaret Greene last month, a great friend and supporter within the music community for many years. Margaret was named an Honorary Life Member of AYO for her many contributions to the organisation and beyond.
We remember Margaret Greene as a passionate supporter of young musicians through her role over many years as Librarian, Orchestra Manager and Board Member of the Australian Youth Orchestra – known previously as the National Music Camp Association. After taking over as National Music Camp Librarian and Orchestra Manager from the Late Maureen White in 1970 she helped countless musicians through the decades of support which followed.
Former National Music Camp Association Administrator Michael Elwood remembered Margaret as ‘a good friend, generous advisor, and I valued greatly her personal support and her wry sense of humour.’
As an orchestra manager for many important international tours with AYO, Margaret brought a great strength of purpose to ensuring every person in the group knew what they had to do, where and by when. AYO CEO, Colin Cornish, recalls touring as an AYO musician with Margaret in 1988.
‘Margaret was an unforgettable person and there was never any doubt about what we were doing or where we had to go on a very busy and long tour. I also fondly remember Margaret as someone who respected every person on the tour as equal – whether you were the conductor, soloist, a familiar AYO face or a young person on your first tour.
Margaret knew how to enjoy the success and achievements of the orchestra, which were also the achievements of her dedication and hard work. I remain indebted to Margaret and so many others who committed so much of their time voluntarily to make the AYO such a success in Australia and overseas. We will keep building upon their contribution for generations to come.’
Faculty Librarian of Fine Arts and Music for the University of Melbourne, Georgina Binns, also shared her tribute to the life and work of Margaret Greene.
‘Margaret Greene, the Music Librarian for the University of Melbourne for almost forty years, passed away last week. She was instrumental in building an internationally recognised music collection now known as the Louise Hanson-Dyer Music Collection, supporting the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. Margaret compiled and edited the highly used ‘A guide to orchestral materials’ in Victoria in 1996 and was awarded a University of Melbourne Award for her outstanding and enduring contribution to the University and its scholarly community. A bronze plaque on Professor’s Walk celebrates her contribution as ‘Long serving music librarian; Enriched the University’s music collection; Advocate for Australian music education’.
Margaret’s contribution to the musical life of the University, to the music education of many generations of students, and her support of academic teaching and research staff has been far reaching.
The Library collections are a testimony to her diligence and foresight, providing inspiration and direction for many, now and into the future.’
Many of AYO’s alumni will have met Margaret over her long involvement in the Australian music community. We remember Margaret Greene as a passionate supporter of young musicians through her role as a supporter and staff member over many years. Vale Margaret.
