The music and education world mourns the loss of Betty Hudson, a remarkable pianist, teacher, and linguist whose adventurous spirit took her from Sheffield to Budapest and even to the touchline of the 1966 World Cup. She has died at the age of 98.
A Musical Life Forged in Sheffield and London
Born in Sheffield, Betty was the youngest daughter of Rose, a dressmaker, and William Hudson, a table knife cutler. Her passion for the piano began in early childhood. After attending Abbeydale Girls' Grammar School, she pursued a music degree at Sheffield University from 1945 to 1948.
Her talent then took her to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London in the late 1940s. There, she received tuition from a pupil of the legendary Polish pianist Theodor Leschetizky, a connection of which she was immensely proud.
Love and Revolution: The Hungarian Chapter
In the 1950s, Betty's life took a dramatic turn when she fell in love with a Hungarian violinist. Following him to Budapest, she immersed herself in the country's rich musical culture. She studied with the renowned composer and educator Zoltán Kodály and formed a friendship with composer György Kurtág, from whom she also took piano lessons.
While teaching in the Hungarian capital, she developed a deep affection for the city. However, this chapter was abruptly closed in 1956 when the Hungarian uprising forced her to return to the UK.
A Dual Career: Music Teaching and Unexpected Translation
Back in England, Betty established a successful career as a music teacher and head of department. Her fluency in Hungarian, honed during her years abroad, opened an unexpected door. Alongside her teaching, she took on translation work.
This skill led to one of her most unique roles: serving as a translator for the Hungarian national football team during the 1966 FIFA World Cup, hosted in England.
In the mid-1960s, she became head of music at Brighouse Girls' Grammar School. She later advanced to deputy head of the music department at Huddersfield Technical College in the 1970s. It was here she taught a young Matthew Brook, who would become a leading bass-baritone. He fondly remembered his A-level music teacher as "a lovely lady".
Betty retired in 1992 but never slowed down. She travelled extensively, often to European music festivals like her favourite, the Verbier festival. She continued giving piano lessons, learned the cello, and played in a string quartet well into her eighties. An excellent cook and lover of fine wines, she lived a full and vibrant life.
Betty Hudson is survived by two nephews and a great-niece.
