The talented Louise Croucher

A regular performer at the Nelson School of Music on both piano and violin, Croucher left to study at the Leipzig Royal Conservatory in 1903. Croucher’s performances and accomplishment while at the Conservatory were regularly published in the local and national newspapers.

Croucher returned to Nelson in 1907 but moved to Melbourne in 1909 where she studied for her secondary teaching registration and temporarily took a position of first violin with the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music whilst also teaching privately.

Returning over a year later, Croucher settled in the Manawatu, by 1912 she had moved to Christchurch. Newspaper announcements show she maintained an active solo career of technical works with several concerts per year.

In 1923, Croucher married Christchurch-born Daniel Hoare in her home town of Richmond; she retained her maiden name in all performance announcements. Croucher’s solo performances were regularly broadcast on Christchurch radio throughout the 1930s whilst she also maintained a teaching schedule.

After ten years of marriage Louise and Daniel divorced. Daniel moved to Wellington while Louise remained in Christchurch. She stayed there until her passing on 5 April 1971.

Louise Croucher is buried in Richmond cemetery with the simple remark on her tombstone “Louise. Thy Will be Done”.

Ethel Louise Croucher. Nelson Provincial Museum, Tyree Studio Collection: 74363

Ethel croucher and Daniel Hoare on Their wedding day. Nelson Provincial Museum, Tyree Studio Collection: 101407

 
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