I’ve long felt there should be a word for hearing someone just died, and realizing that you’d assumed they’d been long dead. This, I’m glad to say, goes in the other direction. Back in my college days, I knew an older woman named Hilda Banks Shapiro. And I just thought she was friendly and smart lady, but otherwise just a character on the local academic scene. And then, as we chatted after the showing of a Marx Brothers movie on campus, she casually mentioned that she’d been playing piano at major concert halls when she was 16. So this was a woman who had achieved pretty impressive stuff… and then went on with what she wanted in life. Anyway, part of that conversation we had, over a quarter century ago now, is something I want to build the start of a book around someday, so I shan’t repeat it here.
But catching some odd how-to-play-the-piano spiel on a local PBS station, I got to thinking about her. I did the googly thing on her, and the first articles I pulled up were talking about her being 74… and they were from seven years ago. So I though, “ach, if that’s what’s coming up, she probably disappeared or at least became infirm in the meantime.” But then I find this nice piece on someone’s blog, from just a year ago, and it sounds like old Hilda is still spirited, active, and sharp. Quite some lady. Follow the link, it’s worth a read.
Dear Nat,
happy to read your note. Yes, I saw Hilda last year and she was wonderful. I hope she’ll get 100 years old. She’s one of the most wonderful people I have met in my life. Full of spirit and good energy.
I see you’re a writer. If you could spare the time, it would be wonderful if you would go over my article. I’d really appreciate it! And if you ever need help with your German – well, you’ll know whom to ask
Best from Berlin,
Anja aka Shrip
Hi all who read on, Mark Shapiro her son introduced himself to me a few weeks ago locally in a diner…..we had one thing in common…..my father’s cousin Ruth Bridburg….also a starring concert pianist at the time of Mark’s mother…..but in London……
carry on,
Dave
Wow. I found this post by googling “Hilda Banks Shapiro” and had a moment similar to the one you had — very happy to hear about her life and career extending forward so well.
I’m a composer and she was part of an early performance of one of my pieces, when I was 16.
Unfortunately the article you link to is on a blog that, at least currently, is “for invited readers only.” But I’ll go look for other info about her. Thanks for this post.
Hilda Banks Shapiro is my Grandmother and Mark is my Father,she is one of the best women in the world and that’s not just because she’s my Mummy,just was messing with her name in google,and she is coming to visit My Wife and Kids today in the CT,Nice Article.
Sean, if you see this comment, I would be so grateful if you’d send her my love — Kala Pierson, k at unfurl dot org. She played in the premiere of my Rilke Songs and was a wonderful part of my experience at the Rock.
I’d love to hear from her and be able to send her pictures of my family. (If she prefers phone to email, I’d be equally happy to tell you my phone number if you email me — and/or to send her physical mail if you tell me an address for her.) Thanks so much in advance.