Hocken Digital Collections

Pratt, Mary : Papers

Details

Reference NumberARC-0947Date1923-1977CreatorHodding, Mary Meikle (nee Pratt), 1908-2002 DescriptionThis collection consists mainly of newspaper clippings, concert programmes, photographs and other papers relating to Mary Pratt's performance career.
Only part of this collection is digitised and available through Digital Collections. Information about other items can be found on the Hākena catalogue, through the Library Catalogues link above.History / BiographyMary Hodding (née Pratt) was born in Scotland on 3rd November 1908. Pratt moved to Dunedin at the age of 12, and gave her first public performance two years later. In 1930 Pratt was a guest soloist for the performance of Handel's Messiah at the opening of the Dunedin Town Hall. Pratt had a successful career as a contralto singer, and was broadcast regularly on the radio in New Zealand and overseas. In 1937 she broadcast with the Budapest String Quartet. During World War Two she toured to raise money for rehabilitation purposes. In 1958 she performed at a Royal Gala Concert for the Queen Mother, alongside Noel Coward, Isobel Baillie, and Heddle Nash. Pratt married Ivan Hodding in 1936. Pratt continued to perform under her maiden name until 1962 when she retired from performing, and began her teaching career as Mary Hodding. (adapted from item)

Photograph

Mary Pratt

Mary Pratt and her Maids of Honour

Miss Mary Pratt, The Air Force Queen

MS-1190/004/003

Depicts Or Relates To

NamesHodding, Mary Meikle (nee Pratt), 1908-2002SubjectsOperaMusic - New ZealandMusic - performanceSinging teachersSingersConcertsWomen

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Pratt, Mary : Papers

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