The Home Journal

Philippa Schuyler

Honored Guest

Miss Philippa Duke Schuyler, internationally famed concert pianist at the age of 23, appeared in a concert under the sponsorship of the Hotel Association of the Virgin Islands on Thursday evening, February 21, at 8:30 p. m.

Miss Schuyler, who is the daughter of the journalist, George S. Schuyler, appeared in concert in the Virgin Islands some years ago. Since that time she has risen to international stature and has been travelling alone abroad on concert tours since she reached the age of 17.

In 1956, at the inauguration of President Paul Magloire of Haiti, Philippa presented her first piano concerto, The Rhapsody of Youth, and was decorated by the President and made a Knight of Haiti. In November, 1955, she appeared at the Silver Anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie, at a command performance at the Imperial Palace and was decorated with gold and silver medallions by the Emperor himself.

Between these memorable events she has appeared in four continents and over 30 countries from Alaska to Chile and from Iceland to Ethiopia.

About her tours, Philippa says,

"The modern musician has an exciting time, but perhaps more trouble, than the Jongleurs of the Middle Ages, what with passport restrictions, labor permits and taxes to think of. But it is still a great adventure, and I love it! What a lot of things one sees! It is all there photographed in one's mind to visualize at leisure and enjoy. The scenes I have there make one forget long plane rides in storms and over mountains when landing is questionable, or waiting in airports or having to put up with many, many inconveniences. Anyway, it's a good life if you can survive!"

Miss Schuyler presented a varied program which demonstrated her amazing ability as a pianist and composer. Of her ability, El Dia, in Madrid, Spain, writes: "Philippa Duke Schuyler is one of the most gifted interpreters of the new generation. She is a virtuosa of extraordinary power, for whom pianistic technique holds no secrets. She is marvelous in the prodigious digitation that she brings forth, so that the great agility of her performance is haloed by the most polished beauty. She has a shining tone, delicately shaded, grace and coloristic vigor. She has penetrated to the greatest depths, fully in accord with the spirit of the authors. Hers was a magnificent concert, interpreted in masterly fashion. Her heated ovations were so well deserved."

Miss Schuyler was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Alton B. Adams, and was met at the airport on her arrival by a committee of Hotel Association members and others who assisted in presenting the concert. She was driven on tour through the city and the party was entertained at the New Flamboyant Hotel at breakfast. On Wednesday evening a large reception was given in her honor by Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Kinelman at their new residence, "Windrush" at Estate John Dunkoe.