Parsons, Geoffrey (Penwill) (1929–1995)

Australian pianist and accompanist. He studied at the Sydney Conservatory, and made his first tour of Australia in 1948. He settled in England in 1950, initially as an accompanist. He worked with singers such as baritone Peter Dawson, Schwarzkopf, Baker, Norman, Los Angeles, and Thomas Hampson, on tour to Europe and the USA. He made his 25th tour of Australia in 1983. In 1977 he gave a recital at Salzburg with Hermann Prey. He gave the ‘Geoffrey Parsons and Friends’ recital series at the Barbican Hall, London, (1982–84), and was awarded the OBE in 1977.