The Percy Grainger Society is often contacted by people with questions or requests for information such as where to find specific music scores. Additionally, individuals contact us offering to donate items such as signed photographs and scores. The objects often come with a story, a personal connection. They add insight to the interpretation of the Grainger’s’ lives and enriches the impact of the donation. Following is a little background on our most recent acquisition.

In May of 1949, Percy arrived in Portland, Maine prior to his performance with the Portland Symphony Orchestra. He came down with a cold and sinus infection, apparently bought on from his exposure to the pouring rain as he walked between the train station and music hall, and he was brought to see the specialist, Dr. John Colby Myer. They became fast friends. Dr. Myer was also a musician/composer who played double bass with the symphony.  Percy sent him multiple scores, essays that he had published, and photographs. In return, Dr. Myer sent Percy his own compositions, which Percy would critique and send back.  John Colby Myer held onto these items together with a scrapbook he created with relevant news clippings, images, and programs from Grainger performances.

The family of John Colby Myer has generously donated this collection to the Percy Grainger Society. We are excited to add these items to our collection and treasure the insight from the stories that come with it.