Marion Stein

2.1. Childhood and Education

Born in Vienna, Austria, on October 18, 1926, Marion Stein was the daughter of Sophie Bachmann and the renowned musician Erwin Stein. She grew up in a Jewish family. In 1938, just prior to the outbreak of World War II, her family emigrated to the United Kingdom to escape the rising threat of Nazism. Following her arrival in Britain, she pursued her musical education at the prestigious Royal College of Music, where she honed her skills as a pianist. She was later made an Honorary Member of the Royal College of Music (HonRCM).

3.1. Musical Training and Early Career

Marion Stein's formal musical training at the Royal College of Music laid the foundation for her career as a concert pianist. Her dedication to music quickly established her as a talented performer in her early career.

3.2. Friendship and Collaboration with Benjamin Britten

During her time at the Royal College of Music, Marion Stein developed a close and enduring friendship with the distinguished composer Benjamin Britten. This relationship extended into professional collaboration, as evidenced by her active support for Britten's artistic endeavors. In March 1950, she organized an opera-inspired fancy dress ball to benefit Britten's English Opera Group. This event featured a notable performance by Frederick Ashton and Moira Shearer, who danced the tango from the ballet Façade. Later that year, in September 1950, despite being pregnant, she was reported to have planned to attend every night of the Leeds Triennial Musical Festival, which included a performance conducted by Britten himself.

3.3. Role as Chatelaine of Harewood House

Following her marriage to George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood, Marion Stein became the Countess of Harewood and assumed the role of Chatelaine of Harewood House, a grand Palladian estate located north of Leeds. By 1949, with the significant patronage of her mother-in-law, Princess Mary, she immersed herself in her responsibilities. She was particularly active in organizing numerous cultural events at the house, transforming it into a vibrant center for the arts.

3.4. Co-founding the Leeds International Piano Competition

One of Marion Stein's most significant contributions to the music world was her instrumental role in the establishment of the Leeds International Piano Competition. In 1961, she co-founded this prestigious event alongside fellow pianist Fanny Waterman. The competition quickly gained international acclaim, becoming a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing new piano talent, and significantly contributing to music education and artistic development.

3.5. Other Cultural Contributions and Media Appearances

Beyond her work with the Leeds International Piano Competition, Marion Stein continued to contribute to the arts in various capacities. She collaborated with Fanny Waterman on Piano Lessons, a highly successful piano tutor that became widely used. Her public profile also extended to media appearances, including a guest spot on BBC Radio 4's popular program Desert Island Discs in 1973. She also occasionally served as a panellist on the BBC music quiz show Face the Music, further showcasing her involvement in the arts and public life.

4.1. First Marriage: George Lascelles, Earl of Harewood

Marion Stein's first marriage was to George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood, whom she met at the Aldeburgh Festival. They married on September 29, 1949. As the son of Princess Mary, Lord Harewood was a grandson of King George V, a nephew of kings Edward VIII and George VI, and a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. Upon their marriage, Marion became the Countess of Harewood. The couple had three sons:

• David Lascelles, 8th Earl of Harewood (born October 21, 1950)
• James Lascelles (born October 5, 1953)
• Jeremy Lascelles (born February 14, 1955)

By 1959, their marriage faced serious difficulties, primarily due to Lord Harewood's affair with violinist Patricia Tuckwell. Despite these challenges, Marion initially resisted the idea of divorce. However, she eventually accepted it in 1967, by which time Lord Harewood had fathered a son with Tuckwell. The subsequent adultery and remarriage of Lord Harewood led to him being socially ostracized for several years, and it was a decade before he was invited to any events by the British Royal family. This period included his absence from the funeral of the Duke of Windsor and the wedding of Princess Anne.

4.2. Second Marriage: Jeremy Thorpe

On March 14, 1973, Marion Stein married her second husband, Jeremy Thorpe, a prominent Member of Parliament and the then-leader of the Liberal Party from 1967 to 1976. The couple were introduced by their mutual acquaintance, the pianist Moira Lympany. Thorpe's first wife, Caroline, had tragically died in a car accident in 1970, making this a second marriage for both.

Marion Thorpe demonstrated immense personal fortitude and loyalty, standing firmly by her husband throughout the highly publicized Thorpe affair of the late 1970s. This scandal, sometimes referred to as "Rinkagate" after Norman Scott's dog, involved allegations of a homosexual relationship and a conspiracy to murder Scott. Despite the intense public scrutiny and legal challenges, Marion remained a steadfast supporter of her husband. In the mid-1980s, Jeremy Thorpe was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Marion tirelessly nursed him as his health declined, continuing her devoted care even as she herself began to experience mobility problems in her later years.

5.1. Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

In the 2008 Birthday Honours, Marion Thorpe was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. This honor was specifically bestowed for her outstanding services to music, particularly recognizing her pivotal role in the establishment and success of the Leeds International Piano Competition.

6.1. Circumstances of Death

Marion Thorpe passed away on March 6, 2014, at the age of 87. Her husband, Jeremy Thorpe, survived her by nine months, dying later that same year on December 4.

7.1. Musical and Cultural Impact

Marion Stein's contributions to the music world were multifaceted and enduring. Her role as a concert pianist showcased her artistic talent, while her work as the chatelaine of Harewood House transformed the estate into a vibrant hub for cultural events. Most notably, her co-founding of the Leeds International Piano Competition with Fanny Waterman established a world-renowned platform for emerging pianists, significantly fostering music education and talent development. Her collaboration on the successful Piano Lessons tutor further extended her influence in musical pedagogy. Through these endeavors, she played a crucial role in promoting artistic appreciation and enriching the cultural life of Britain.

7.2. Personal Resilience and Public Life

Throughout her life, Marion Stein demonstrated exceptional personal resilience, navigating significant personal challenges with grace and strength. Her ability to maintain a public presence, including appearances on BBC programs, despite the complexities of her private life, highlighted her adaptability. She faced the social repercussions of her first husband's divorce and remarriage, and notably stood by her second husband, Jeremy Thorpe, throughout the intense public scandal and his subsequent illness. Her steadfast support during the Thorpe affair and her dedicated care for him as he battled Parkinson's disease underscored her profound personal fortitude and unwavering loyalty in the face of immense adversity. Her public image was also extended through media portrayals, notably being played by Monica Dolan in the television miniseries A Very English Scandal.

8.1. Key Associates

• Benjamin Britten: A close friend and renowned composer whose English Opera Group Marion supported.
• George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood: Her first husband, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, with whom she had three sons.
• Jeremy Thorpe: Her second husband, a prominent Member of Parliament and leader of the Liberal Party.
• Fanny Waterman: Her co-founder of the Leeds International Piano Competition and co-author of Piano Lessons.
• Erwin Stein: Her father, a distinguished musician.
• Princess Mary: Her first mother-in-law, who provided patronage for her role at Harewood House.
• Patricia Tuckwell: The violinist with whom her first husband had an affair.
• Frederick Ashton: A celebrated choreographer who performed at an event she organized.
• Moira Shearer: A renowned dancer who performed alongside Frederick Ashton at a cultural event she hosted.
• Moira Lympany: A common acquaintance who introduced Marion to Jeremy Thorpe.
• Norman Scott: A figure central to the "Thorpe affair" scandal.

8.2. Associated Institutions

• Royal College of Music: Where Marion Stein received her formal musical education.
• Harewood House: The Palladian estate where she served as chatelaine, organizing numerous cultural events.
• Leeds International Piano Competition: The prestigious competition she co-founded, significantly contributing to music education.
• English Opera Group: Benjamin Britten's opera company, which she supported through fundraising events.
• BBC Radio 4: The radio station where she was a guest on Desert Island Discs.
• BBC (specifically for Face the Music): The broadcasting corporation where she appeared as an occasional panellist.