My sister, Marian Kitching, who has died aged 92, was more widely known by her maiden and professional name, Marian Creaser. Initially in the north-east of England, and then for 50 years in Oxford, she was renowned as a pianist, accompanist, teacher, examiner and as an impassioned advocate of high standards in musical performance.
Our parents, Polly (nee Hillaby) and Raymond Creaser, ran a newsagent’s business in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, but were also both accomplished musicians. Marian went to the local girls’ grammar school in Stockton, and from an early age was winning piano competitions throughout the region, broadcasting in programmes such as Children’s Hour, and playing concertos with local orchestras.
