Meeting Miriam: an Exclusive Musical Soiree by Tarrawatta Trio

Tarrawatta Trio’s Tribute to Miriam Hyde: A Celebration in Music

In 1932, at just 19 years old, Adelaide’s own Elder Overseas Scholar Miriam Hyde sailed to London, full of optimism and talent. She enrolled at the prestigious Royal College of Music, located opposite the Royal Albert Hall, as South Australia’s Piano Scholar.

During her four years at the College, Miriam excelled in composition, piano technique, and aural skills, leaving a lasting impression on all her teachers. Renowned for her incredible improvisation and memory, she was one of the most promising young musicians in the world. The Royal College of Music collaborated with the London Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestras for her performances, and the London Musical Club proudly presented her. Even Sir Henry Wood wrote her a personal letter of admiration.

"Tall, dark and attractive Miriam Hyde came originally from Adelaide, where her mother was a well known pianist. She is 39, has two young children and composes in those rare spare moments of her full-time job of looking after them and her husband, and weeding her garden..." Ronald McKie, Daily Telegraph 17.5.62 (National Library of Australia archives)

Although many in Australia revere her for her contribution to music education, in fact the true synesthetic virtuoso pianist Miriam Hyde's life is a remarkably vivid story of social history and giftedness that deserves to be told to generations to come.

This concert is presented by the Tarrawatta Trio to support Celia Craig’s ongoing research into restoring Miriam’s true South Australian legacy, sharing her personal stories, with some announcements revealing some groundbreaking musical discoveries.

This event unfolds through an exhibition, spoken words and live recorded chamber music for oboe, cello and piano- Miriam's three favourite instruments. Her musical life in London including being inspired by oboist Leon Goossens, for whom she wrote solos.

This tribute concert features a newly reworked version of Miriam’s early Fantasy Trio in B Minor, composed under the guidance of R.O. Morris, brother-in-law to Ralph Vaughan Williams. Both Morris and Vaughan Williams were close acquaintances of Miriam, and their influence resonates in her music. We will create a wonderful new piece of chamber music for oboists from this neglected work.

Your pianist for the evening is Michael Ierace, an Elder Overseas Scholar to the Royal College of Music, joined by Grammy-nominated cellist Thomas Marlin, Active Citizen 2025 Award recipient from the City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters. Together with Creative Arts Fellow of the National Library of Australia, Celia Craig LRAM, they form the Tarrawatta Trio.

In the spirit of the English Folk Song and Dance Society, which both Morris and Vaughan Williams were involved with, we’ll present some little-known arrangements composed for the elusive Cecelian Trio. 

Plus, we’ll unveil an incredible local story that ties Miriam’s legacy to the landscape and her appreciation of nature.

Miriam’s daughter, Christine Edwards, shares this touching memory:

"My mother always put family ahead of her music, sacrificing what could have been a more spectacular public career. In moments of stress, she would draw on her inner strength, often through her music. When she underwent heart surgery in her 80s, the anaesthetist was surprised by how long it took her to fall asleep under general anaesthetic. She later told him she had wanted to finish playing the Brahms Rhapsody in B Minor—such was her strength of mind."

This concert will also honor Miriam’s dear family friend and childhood hero, Percy Grainger, whose connection to Miriam is beautifully illustrated in her own words by Celia Craig, the 2024 Creative Arts Fellow at the National Library of Australia.

We invite you to join us at the historic North Adelaide Baroque Hall to help restore Miriam Hyde’s legacy in the public eye.

Highlights of the evening:

• World-premiere material—unseen and unheard!
• A refreshing glass of wine on arrival and delicious catering.
• Doors open at 7pm for refreshments and an exhibition of Miriam’s life in London. The concert begins at 7:30pm.

Come to celebrate and support the music of Miriam Hyde—an unforgettable evening that combines history, artistry, and legacy.