Linda, who died in September 2024, was a long-standing member of the Piano Committee. She was also an inspirational teacher and good friend to many.
Pianist John Bruzon writes:
I met Linda about 15 years ago, after working for many years as MD and accompanist in musical theatre shows and cabaret. She loved that and came to some of the performances I was involved with in Brighton. However, she quickly recognised that there were more strings to my bow!
She pushed me into getting involved with the Sussex Musicians Club (SMC), Springboard Festival piano committee, into teaching piano and performing solo again.
Her undying optimism and enthusiasm helped to give me confidence and, despite my many protestations, I found myself performing Scarlatti Sonatas for the SMC and later the Khachaturian Clarinet Trio at All Saints Church with Evelyn Harrison. I quickly learned that once Linda had made her mind up it was near impossible to change it!
We enjoyed many meals together, a lot of laughter, occasionally some arguments – always bouncing back as if nothing had happened! She always took great interest in what I was doing and supported me hugely. She passed on many promising students to me, which was generous and selfless of her. I will always be grateful.
Evelyn Harrison, clarinet and saxophone performer and outstanding teacher writes:
I first met Linda when I was 14 and she became Head of Music (and was fondly known as Mrs Batterycharger) at Stanley Deason School in Brighton. This meeting changed my life.
Linda recognised a musical ability that I did not realise I possessed, and she helped me develop my skills as a musician. She introduced me to The Sussex Musicians Club and I remember doing one of my very first big concerts in the Music Room at the Brighton Pavilion, Linda accompanying me. I was about 17.
Linda has always been a true force of nature – supportive and challenging when it was needed – and I will truly miss such a wonderful friend. We had many philosophical chats about everything and I will miss her greatly. I can’t thank fate enough for bringing her into my life.