(Simon
Milliken pictured at a Baroque 2000 publicity photoshoot on Durban’s beachfront.
Pic by Val Adamson)
Tribute by William Charlton-Perkins.
Music lovers in Durban and surrounds have
been deeply shocked at news that Simon Milliken, former Principal Double
Bassist of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, met with a violent death
on Friday afternoon (August 31, 2018).
Milliken retired from the Orchestra last
year, but continued to perform on an ad hoc basis with his former colleagues,
most recently in concert this past Thursday in the Durban City Hall, during the
KZNPO’s current Early Spring Season, performing under the baton of the Hong
Kong-born guest conductor, Peri So.
A passionate nature lover, Milliken had
taken Mr So on a bird-watching hike in Durban’s Burman Bush Nature Reserve on
Friday, when the pair were attacked. The conductor and Milliken fled in
opposite directions, Mr So managing to escape unharmed. Tragically, Simon’s
body was discovered in the Nature Reserve early this morning (Saturday, September
1). Tributes and expressions of sorrow from friends and colleagues have been
pouring in on Facebook for the much-loved musician.
Trumpeter Cathy Peacock, a close friend of
Milliken’s, said: “What has happened leaves me beyond words, trying to process
this terrible tragedy. Simon was always such a delight to be with, I loved him
for his wry wit, for his whole-hearted enjoyment of life, not least his passion
for opera, and for his kindly interest in those around him. Working without his
benign presence in our midst is going to be very sad for all his friends and
colleagues.”
Caroline Smart, theatre personality and
owner of the artSMart website, said: “I am really shattered by this devastating
news. Simon was a delightful, funny, forward-looking man with a great sense of
humour. I have known him since the time he joined what was then the Natal
Philharmonic Orchestra, many years ago. He was always courteous and kind. He
was also pro-active in ensuring that I had photographs and publicity for the
Baroque 2000 concerts. KZNPO concerts will never be the same again without his
tall figure and tousled hair in the double bass section. Bless you, Simon – be
free in your new celestial home.”
Michel Schneuwly, Founding Director of
Baroque 2000, and former Principal Trumpet of the KZNPO, expressed his sorrow
at the loss of a longtime friend. “Simon was a founding member of our Baroque
2000 ensemble. Besides assisting in many ways in running this initiative, he
never missed taking part a single concert we did. My wife Trui and I shared a
special friendship with Simon, and we will miss him very deeply indeed.”
Adrian Bellengere writes: “Simon was the
Ringing Master and Chairman of the Durban Guild of Church Bellringers. In
actuality, the Durban Guild is pretty much an extended family of which Simon
was the older brother - not necessarily in terms of age, but because he was the
most experienced bellringer, the one who patiently taught all newcomers this
difficult art, who mentored all of us, challenged us, guided us and rang
shoulder to shoulder with us. The ringing fraternity in South Africa in general
(he was a former Chair of the National Guild) and the Durban bellringers in
particular already miss him, and we doubt we will ever recover. Simon learnt to
ring at the tower at Fawley in Hampshire, where his father was the Rector. He
read music at Exeter University. Besides being the principal double bassist at
the KZNPO he played with many other orchestras in Durban and KZN, and was
possessed of an incredible and wide ranging knowledge of classical music. Simon
also was incredibly knowledgeable about, and had a real passion for, indigenous
fauna and flora – was often out hiking and was respected in conservation
circles. He contributed photographs to Pooley’s
Trees of Eastern South Africa, by Richard Boon. As one of my fellow
bellringers wrote – and I cannot do better – he was ‘one of the biggest
advocates of music, animals, nature and conservation, as well as bellringing’.
To this I might add, that he was possessed of an integrity and moral compass to
which some might aspire, but which very few will attain.”
Speaking for myself, I can only second the
thoughts and sentiments expressed above. I spent happy hours in Simon’s
engaging company, both listening to opera recordings while enjoying his
hospitality at his home, and in conversation during the intervals at the many
concerts I have attended over the years. Rest in peace, dear kind man. –
William Charlton-Perkins
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