Zola Mae Shaulis Kollock
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The family of Zola Mae Shaulis Kollock, 78, celebrates the amazing life of our quick-witted, spirited, talented, and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Her family fondly remembers her infectious laughter, animated storytelling, raucous sing-alongs and her thirst for knowledge. She was the cheerleader of the family, forever encouraging and affirming to those she loved. A world-renowned concert pianist, teacher, and a true supporter of the arts, Zola shared her talent and enthusiasm with many and especially loved teaching her grandchildren. She brought her gifts of music and humor to St. Petersburg, FL when she and her husband Will, a professor and poet, moved to be closer to family. Zola was the First Prize Winner of three international piano competitions: The Bach International Competition in Washington D.C., The Concurso Internacional de Piano in Rio de Janeiro, and the Naumburg International Piano Competition. She made her New York City debut in Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in 1970 and her Carnegie Hall solo debut in 1974 as a prot?g? of Arthur Rubinstein. She recorded two albums of Bach for Deutsche Grammophone, which were met with critical acclaim. Her Naumberg award resulted in a recording for CRI label of works by Barber, Gruenberg and Bloch. As a child prodigy she appeared in the early days of live TV on the shows of Arthur Godfrey, Arthur Murray, Kate Smith and Victor Borge. She was the youngest soloist to perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra when she was seven years old. She went on to appear as soloist with the Pittsburgh, Detroit, and San Francisco Symphonies as well as other major American orchestras. She performed Bach's Goldberg Variations in numerous recital tours of Germany and was proclaimed to be "the Bach interpreter" in Europe. She gave solo recitals and performed as soloist with orchestras in Europe, South America and the United States. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Will Kollock, daughter Mila Turtle (Jesse), grandchildren Zoe and Owen, sisters Celeste Letchworth and Jane Shaulis (Joseph Gasperec), brother-in-law Joe Kollock (Connie), nephews, Sam and Joe Letchworth and Joe Kollock III (Lisa), extended family and dear friends. In her honor, contributions may be made to these organizations that were close to her heart: Ringwood Friends of Music, NJ, the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJ, and the St. Petersburg Opera Company, FL. Celebration of life at a later date. Please share remembrances and photos @