Obituaries Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: use double quotes to search for a phrase
  • Tip: lists of awards, schools, organisations etc

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Richard Goldner (1908–1991)

Mr Richard Goldner, founder of Musica Viva Australia, this country's principal chamber music network and one of its most important concert-giving organisations, died in Sydney last Friday night after a sudden illness.

Mr Goldner, a musician and professional inventor whose contributions to the equipment of Allied services were acknowledged in official accounts of World War II, was one of the refugees from Nazi-dominated central Europe whose arrival in Australia made an incalculable difference to artistic developments here.

Bringing with him wide experience as a professional violin and viola player in Vienna and other centres, he was the driving force in the post-war inauguration of a Musica Viva society with its own chamber music ensemble. Although the enterprise in its original form had to be discontinued after nearly six years, it resurfaced as an enlightened supporter of visiting and resident chamber groups.

As honorary music director of Musica Viva for many years and as an outstanding teacher of violin and viola, Mr Goldner played a significant role in the heightening and deepening of musical activity here.

His wife, Charmian Gadd, who survives him, has continued her career as solo violinist and teacher.

Original publication

Additional Resources

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Goldner, Richard (1908–1991)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/goldner-richard-15195/text26960, accessed 19 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

23 June, 1908
Craiova, Romania

Death

27 September, 1991 (aged 83)
Balmain, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

pneumonia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Passenger Ship
Occupation
Military Service
Key Organisations
Workplaces