Australian pianist Maureen Jones, a key figure in the early history of Musica Viva Australia and an acclaimed chamber musician whose career took her from Sydney to Europe’s major concert stages, has died in Lugano, Switzerland, aged 99.

Musica Viva Australia CEO Anne Frankenberg described Jones as “fundamental to Musica Viva Australia’s history”, noting that she was invited to join the organisation’s original ensemble in her early twenties, before embarking on a distinguished European career.

“She returned several times to perform and to teach,” Frankenberg said. “Her incredible musicianship and natural glamour significantly built the audience for chamber music in this country.”

Maureen Jones. Photo courtest Musica Viva

Jones was born in Sydney and spent her formative years on the city’s upper North Shore. At the age of 10 she was invited by Edgar Bainton, then director of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, to study there with pianist Alexander Hmelnitsky. While still a student, she had her professional debut with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1.

After graduating, Jones was invited by Richard Goldner to join the fledgling Musica Viva ensemble. Her musicianship, charisma and striking stage presence contributed...