Jacob Lakirovich - Archive Documents

Roger Woodward - Testimonial Letter

7th. April, 1990

TO WHOM IT HAY CONCERN

The string playing at Hill End, Brisbane is the finest I have heard anywhere in Australia. A quiet revolution in standards of wind and string playing has been taking place at the Stoliarsky School of Music under the direction of two Russian in to our country - Mark and Jacob Lakirovich. The acquisition of these two superb resident violinists, (the best this country has ever had) is one of the wisest steps so far taken in granting Australian passports in recent years.

My colleagues in Europe have been inspired by Mark and Jacob's altogether extraordinary work here; so much so, that they agreed to affiliate themselves with the Stoliarsky School of Music. Many of the finest musicians in the world visit and/or work at the School (including Sir Yehudi Menuhin). I have been so inspired by the very high standards at the School personally, that I also wish to let it be known that I have affiliated myself with it and will teach there as time permits, whenever I am in Australia. Perhaps I can achieve with piano what they have with strings.

Europe's concert halls have enthusiastically welcomed the Stoliarsky School Orchestra and given it rave reviews for their extremely high standard of playing when they toured last. Any support we could give this unique School and its fine endeavours, would assist Mark and Jacob Lakirovich to fulfil their destiny among our children.

Yours,

Roger Woodward

O.B.E., Kt. (Breffni), C.K. (TiFC) (Warsaw)

D.S.C.M.