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Lloyd Whittaker 1932 to 2021 - New Zealandby Heather Masefield Secretary, New Zealand Accordion Association |
Gulf News Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand reported that moving tributes have been paid to music guardian and museum creator Lloyd Whittaker, who died last month aged 88. Lloyd and his wife Joan shared their world-class collection of working instruments with the public after establishing Whittakers Musical Museum in Oneroa, Waiheke Island, 25 years ago. Visitors to Whittakers Musical Museum could tickle the ivories of a Bechstein concert piano grand once owned by Ignacy Paderewski (the Lloyd-Weber of the 19th century) or play New Zealand’s oldest Steinway. Some of the instruments in the collection were brought to the country on sailing ships, then transported up-country on bullock carts. Others were collected from second-hand shops, antique dealers and various old sheds located around the country. Whittaker, an accordionist, also had his collection of accordions, bandoneons and concertinas on display at his Museum. Fittingly, Lloyd and Joan were both named Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, cited for services to heritage preservation and music education. Lloyd “loved sharing music and giving enjoyment… It was total dedication”. Lloyd is survived by his wife, Joan, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A celebration of Lloyd's life was held at the Whittaker's Musical Museum, Artworks Complex, Oneroa. |