Pianist holds the tune 60 years later

IT was an emotional return to the Oyster Box for Louie Aubrey Letard last week as he made his way to the hotel where he performed as a pianist for five years. The local resident celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends and even had time to play a few tunes for passing guests and staff. Letard was the first pianist to play at the famed hotel in uMhlanga.

Letard, who was born in 1928 was a famous pianist in Durban. He last performed at the Oyster Box 60 years ago but one couldn’t tell by the way he confidently stroked the keys on the baby grand piano.

“I played at the Oyster Box every Friday and Saturday night from 1953 to 1958 with the band called The Bill Adam’s Band which had a base, piano, drums and saxophone player. It was much different back in those days and uMhlanga wasn’t as developed as it is now. I remember the hotel being surrounded by bush,” he exclaimed.

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“There were only two other hotels in the area at the time. I must admit it was a wonderful surprise by my daughter Marcelle and the family. I was told we were going to lunch at Wimpy and to come back to a place that has a very special place in my heart was just wonderful. It’s such a surprise. I’m also glad I got a chance to meet the current pianist who performs at the hotel now,” he said.

Letard who performed on an upright grand piano in the late 1950s played a few tunes for hotel staff and guests walking past. He was however modest in the assessment of his performance.

“My fingers are a bit rusty as I haven’t played in donkey’s years but the sound on this baby grand piano was lovely,” he enthused to the thrilled onlookers.

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