Vale Ronald Woodcock

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of concert violinist Ronald Woodcock, a much-loved member of the teaching staff of the Elder Conservatorium for around 25 years, from the early 1970s to the late 1990s. Throughout those years he was the Conductor of the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and there would not have been many students who had not played under his baton.

For many years during and after he retired, Ronald and his lifelong partner Louise, a violist and pianist, gave recitals all over the world, some of them in very remote locations in Africa, Southeast Asia, China and Eastern Europe. Ronald's outlook on music was adventurous and during his teaching years he encouraged students to tackle lesser-known works by contemporary composers. Throughout his life, Ronald was also a dedicated and highly competitive marathon runner and accumulated numerous trophies.

He passed away on 17 June 2024 at the age of 93, in a nursing home in Adelaide, where he had been for four years. During that time a number of notable ex-students would visit with their instruments and play with and for him. In addition Elder Conservatorium alumnus Gerard Goh, now a qualified music therapist, regularly performed for him on the guitar and also played classical pieces from his laptop. Ronald is survived by Louise Woodcock.