History and use of the Ariadne Danilow Fund
Ariadne Danilow 1901-1997
Ariadne Danilow was born in St Petersburg but was brought up in Vienna, where she was taught by her father who was a Professor of Piano at the Conservatorium.
She married Dr Nicolas Danilow in Vienna but then, in 1938, he came, on his own to Wellington to work at the University. Because of impending war, Ariadne was unable to get a passage to join him in New Zealand until 1947 – 9 years after his arrival here!
Ariadne soon made her mark in Wellington by broadcasting and teaching piano. Fluent in several languages, Ariadne gave coaching to singers in French, German and Russian. She had a very long association with Wellington Branch IRMTNZ, being a Chairperson in 1959 and serving on the Committee until 1990, into her 90s.
Having no descendants, the widowed Ariadne bequeathed the proceeds from the sale of her Wellington house to Wellington Branch IRMTNZ. Her intention in the bequest was that it should encourage deserving students of Wellington Branch IRMTNZ members.
Prizes for the Sonata Celebration come from interest from the Ariadne Danilow bequest.
(Taken from Wellington Branch records held at the Alexander Turnbull Library and other personal accounts).
Applications for assistance will be considered twice per year, on 1st April and 1st October, to ensure that funds are distributed fairly.
Contact wellington@irmt.org.nz with any questions or to submit an application.