Garry Laycock

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Biography

Garry Laycock was born in New South Wales, Australia

Born on June 22, 1944, in Bingara, New South Wales, Australia^[1], Garry Peter Laycock entered the world with an innate musical talent waiting to be nurtured. The son of Geoffrey Lloyd Laycock and Daphne (Caine) Laycock, Garry grew up alongside his younger sister, Living (Laycock) Evans.

At the age of seven, Garry discovered his passion for music when he began playing the piano accordion^[2]. Recognizing his potential, his parents enrolled him at the Newcastle Conservatorium, where he studied piano under the guidance of Joyce Lillian Blewitt OAM. As he progressed, Garry's talent flourished, and by the age of 15, he was chosen with four others to compose music that would be arranged by John Henry Antill and performed by the prestigious Sydney Symphony Orchestra^[3][1].

Driven by his love for music, Garry pursued his education at Newcastle Boys' High School and Newcastle University. Seeking to refine his skills, he continued his studies at the Sydney Conservatorium, studying under renowned mentors such as Frank Hutchens, Alexander Borisovich Sverjensky (1901-1971), and Gordon Watson. His dedication paid off, and he achieved a performer's diploma, a testament to his commitment and talent^[3][1].

During the 1960's and early 1970's Garry worked as a music and language teacher in the Newcastle district eventually becoming the Language Master at South Sydney Boys High School, a position that allowed him to embrace his love of and fluency in the French language^{[4][5][6][3][1]}.

In 1977, Garry embarked on a new chapter of his musical journey, joining the Australian Ballet as a resident pianist. His exceptional abilities as a concerto soloist were showcased in various ballet productions, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Notably, his performances in Ballanchine's Ballet Imperial and Grahame Murphy's Beyond Twelve at the Sydney Opera House garnered acclaim and admiration. Garry's collaborative work with choreographer Andre Prokovosky earned him high praise from British composer Guy Wolfenden, who recognized him as one of the best repetiteurs he had ever encountered^[7][3][1].

In 1981, Garry's passion for accompanying singers led him to join the Australian Opera as a repetiteur. This role provided him with the opportunity to fulfil his deepest musical desires. He found immense joy in participating in the annual Australian Opera benevolent concerts, where he could express his playful nature and affection for the timeless songs of yesteryears^{[8][9][10][11][12][3][1]}.

Garry's musical contributions extended beyond his role at the Australian Opera. His inventive spirit and sense of humour were reflected in his original compositions and arrangements, each bearing unique titles that brought smiles to audiences' faces. From a "Fairly Grand Tarantella from a Night or Two at the Opera" to arrangements like "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" and "Lazybones," Garry's creativity knew no bounds. He regularly performed under the stage name, Leon Gibbons, even letting his humour shine through on his creative biographies under this pseudonym^[3][1].

Throughout his career, Garry shared his musical talents through numerous concerts and broadcasts. His performances as an accompanist and soloist captivated audiences in various venues, including the Sydney Opera House. His arrangements and interpretations of classical compositions, as well as his collaborations with esteemed musicians, left an indelible mark on the music scene^[3][1].

Sadly, on December 15, 1988, Garry Peter Laycock passed away after a long battle with illness^[13][14], leaving behind a legacy of musical brilliance. His untimely departure left a void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of witnessing his extraordinary talent.

He life was remembered by loved ones and friends on 20 Dec 1988 at Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Newcastle. His contemporary and good friend since their time at Newcastle Boys High School, Paul Bentley, read a moving valediction to Garry, a few sections that really capture the essence of Garry are quoted below^[1].

Garry has a memorial plaque in St John the Baptist Memorial Garden, Lambton. ^[15]

Today, Garry's musical compositions, program copies, photographs, clippings, and other documents serve as a testament to his contributions to the world of music. They are preserved and honoured in the State Library of New South Wales, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come^[1].

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9} "Special Collections", State Library New South Wales, catalogue, circa 1960–1989, citing: Call Numbers: MLMSS 8053, Record Identifier: nZNvgDjn., Garry Laycock papers and music manuscripts, ca.1960-1988, with additional related papers, 1988-1989 : accessed 4 November 2022
2. ↑ The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia, 22 Apr 1951, Page: 9, 'Playtime' Cash Awards (Newspapers.com : accessed 30 May 2023)
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6} "History and Biography", The Wolanski Foundation Project, Phillip Wolanski and Paul Bentley, online-database, citing: Research - Paper no 43., Garry Laycock: Australian musician 1944-1988 by Paul Bentley : accessed 30 May 2023
4. ↑ Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), 1964, 'APPOINTMENTS ON PROBATION.—TEACHERS', 21 August, Page: 2689, Trove, National Library of Australia (digitised newspaper archives : accessed 30 May 2023)
5. ↑ Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), 1966, 'RESIGNATIONS', 29 April, Page: 1813, Trove, National Library of Australia (digitised newspaper archives : accessed 30 May 2023)
6. ↑ Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), 1968, 'APPOINTMENTS ON PROBATION', 20 September, Page: 3817, Trove, National Library of Australia (digitised newspaper archives : accessed 30 May 2023)
7. ↑ The Age, Melbourne, Victoria, Victoria, Australia, 14 Jul 1980, Page: 10, Ballet's great Balanchine act (Newspapers.com : accessed 30 May 2023)
8. ↑ The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 1985, 'Advertising', 23 November, Page: 13, Trove, National Library of Australia (digitised newspaper archives : accessed 30 May 2023)
9. ↑ The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 1985, 'Advertising', 22 December, Page: 89, Trove, National Library of Australia (digitised newspaper archives : accessed 30 May 2023)
10. ↑ The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 1985, 'Fine shows in Sydney festival', 27 December, Page: 15, Trove, National Library of Australia (digitised newspaper archives : accessed 30 May 2023)
11. ↑ The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), 1986, 'MUSIC', 4 January, Page: 15, Trove, National Library of Australia (digitised newspaper archives : accessed 30 May 2023)
12. ↑ The Australian Jewish Times (Sydney, NSW : 1953 - 1990), 1986, 'Advertising', 19 June, Page: 22, Trove, National Library of Australia (digitised newspaper archives : accessed 30 May 2023)
13. ↑ Death Index (NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages : accessed 29 Dec 2021), Index entry for LAYCOCK GARRY PETER; Parents: GEOFFREY & DAPHNE; District: -; Registration Number: 312/1989
14. ↑ The Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia, 19 Dec 1988, Page: 28, Garry LAYCOCK (Newspapers.com : accessed 4 Jan 2023)
15. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images, Memorial: Garry Peter Laycock, Birth Date: 1944, Death Date: 15 Dec 1988, St John the Baptist Memorial Garden, Lambton, Newcastle City, New South Wales, Australia, Find A Grave: Memorial #234612535, accessed: 30 May 2023, Maintained By: RonMate, 49832066.