Audrey Johannesen

Audrey Johannesen (née Johnston), pianist, teacher (born 12 September 1930 in Regina, SK; died 21 May 2015 in Tsawwassen, BC). ATCM 1944, LRAM 1950, premier prix Brussels 1953. She studied with Frances England and Lyell Gustin in Regina and with Max Pirani at Banff. Moving to London she resumed her work with Pirani at the RAM, winning the Macfarren Gold Prize. She studied further, 1952-3, with Eduardo del Pueyo at the Cons royal in Brussels and received the Prix Van Cutsem. She returned to Canada in 1959 and subsequently has performed with orchestra, in recital, and on CBC radio. She has toured both Canada (for the JMC (YMC) 1963 and 1964) and Europe (1966). A resident of Vancouver, she has given master classes at the Shawnigan Summer School of the Arts (Johannesen International School) founded by her husband J.J. Johannesen in 1971. Lyell Gustin has described her as 'a dramatic player' and the critic of the London Daily Telegraph commended her 'massive technique [and]... splendid sound'. In the early 1980s she curtailed her activities as a musician.