Sir Howard Morrison
Posted on September 29, 2009
On 2 May 2009 I had the opportunity to perform at an evening with Sir Howard Morrison for over 150 distinguished guests (including the region’s mayors) at the Kaumatua Ball 2009 held at the Masterton Town Hall. To my great surprise, Sir Howard gave me a standing ovation for my lively interpretation of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine.” The song had clearly delighted him.
After I had concluded playing for the evening, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with Sir Howard for a while prior to his own performance. I asked Sir Howard whether he was going to be singing later in the evening, to which he replied, “Yes, and I brought along a backing CD, but then I didn’t know they were going to have someone like you playing!”
Sir Howard was being gracious; his backing track was far more suited to his performance than a single piano accompaniment, but I gladly joined the other guests to enjoy what was the highlight of this special occasion.
It was hinted that there may be an opportunity to perform together again in the near future. Sadly, that wasn't to be. Sir Howard Morrison passed away at his Rotorua home on 24 September, aged 74.
