1925 - 2019
On Sunday afternoon 16 April, in the glorious surroundings of Lincoln College, Oxford, some 80 people gathered to pay tribute to Dr Elman Poole a Southland born New Zealander and eminent neurologist, clinical lecturer at Oxford University and philanthropist.
The occasion bought together, his former alma mater: University of Otago, NZ, Lincoln College, Oxford, and Green Templeton, Oxford. As importantly, it also included those organisations and institutions he supported with extremely generous endowments, bequeathed during his life time and beyond including the University of Canterbury, NZ and the NZ UK Link Foundation. Since 2006, his annual NZUK Link Foundation Music Fellowship has enabled a New Zealander to experience a one year programme with the prestigious Southbank Sinfonia in London.
The highlights of the afternoon were very touching reflections from his NZ half-brother Russell Poole and the magnificent recital given by former Music Fellowship Scholars and other Southbank Sinfonia musicians. Video's were shown of two former music scholars playing tribute pieces, one based in NZ, and another in the Ukraine.
Simon Over, CEO and Principal Conductor, chose a programme which showcased their musical talent beautifully. He played the piano to accompany the Pablo Casals, 'Song of the Birds' which Elman particularly asked Simon to be played at his memorial concert. The final piece performed was three players with his favourite instrument, the cello.
Sally Martin, Chair of NZUK Link Foundation, would like to especially thank Lincoln College for generously hosting the event, Simon Over, and the Southbank Sinfonia players and Janet Wilson, Link Trustee and friend of Elman, who worked tirelessly to ensure his life and considerable generosity were remembered in this fitting way.
The programme can be accessed by clicking the pdf below..