Amparo Iturbi

Dame Amparo Iturbi Baguena, pianist Jose Iturbi's younger sister, was born March 12, 1898 in Valencia, Spain. Taught by her brother, she was also a pianist.

Early career

She gave her debut concert at the age of 15 in Barcelona. In 1925, she gave her first important concert outside of Spain. She played in Paris, at the Salle Gaveau. This was followed by dual piano recitals with Jose, touring Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, and England. Seh also accompanied the famous Catalan soprano María Barrientos. It was not until 1937 she first played in the United States.

She had one daughter, also named Amparo, by a brief marriage. Her grandson Robert O'Sullivan lives in Beverly Hills.

She was the pioneer of the Spanish piano repertoire in hte US until the arrival of Alicia de Larrocha in 1965

Film career

Amparo had guest roles, playing herself, alongside her brother in the following MGM musicals:
*Two Girls and a Sailor (1944)
*Holiday in Mexico (1946)
*Three Daring Daughters (1948)
*That Midnight Kiss (1949)

She also was on the soundtrack of 'Three Daring Daughters' (1948). Seemingly always in her brother's shadow, Amparo Iturbi only appeared in films long enough to play the piano with her brother.

Known for their twin piano-playing, the pair also appeared on the Jimmy Durante Show in 1955 and on The Bell Telephone Hour in 1962. There were many recordings released as a duo and singly. A CD 'Celebrated Artistry-Mozart/Jose & Amparo Iturbi, was released in 1999.

Honorary Scholarships

*At California State University in Fresno [http://studentaffairs.csufresno.edu/scholarships/arts_humanities.htm] , CA, a special scholarship is available in Amparo Iturbi's name. "Awarded in honor of the distinguished concert pianist, Dame Amparo Iturbi, the scholarship, awarded annually, or as deemed appropriate is available to junior, senior or graduate students majoring in Piano."

*Jose Iturbi established a scholarship fund in memory of his sister, for music majors, particularly those specializing in the piano at Loyola Marymount University.

Death

Amparo Iturbi died on April 22, 1969 in Beverly Hills, CA of a brain tumor.