Virtuoso Violinist to Shine at Beacon
A bronze bust of Greenock-born virtuoso violinist Henri Temianka is to be loaned to the Beacon Arts Centre.
 with Dan Temianka at the unveling of the bust to Henri Temianka (1906-1992) at the McLean Museum, Greenock 2.jpg)
Inverclyde Council’s Education & Communities Committee has approved the request while the McLean Museum and Art Gallery is closed for refurbishment work.
Education Vice Convener Councillor Martin Brennan said: “It was only a few months ago we officially unveiled the sculpture which was generously donated by Henri’s family and I am delighted it will be on public display while the museum is closed. He made an enormous contribution to the world of classical music and was an inspiration to generations of musicians around the world. We are proud to claim him as our own and I am sure people will be keen to learn more about his life and works.”
Henri Temianka (1906-1992) studied violin in Rotterdam, Berlin and Paris and was one of the first graduates of the famous Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. After making his concert debut in New York in 1928 he returned to Europe and established himself as one of the era’s foremost concert violinists.
He founded the famous Paganini Quartet and California Chamber Symphony and became a visiting professor and guest lecturer at universities across the United States including the University of California.
Last week at Chapman University in California, a music study room was dedicated for Henri’s Archives, and a banquet will held in his honour at the Musco Performing Arts Center with large display cases of his letters and other memorabilia.
His son Dan said: “My wife and I are delighted that Miriam Baker’s beautiful bust of my father will be displayed at the vibrant Beacon Arts Centre. We extend our gratitude and warm best wishes to the Inverclyde Council and all the citizens of Greenock, who received us so graciously.”