A GREENOCK-born man who went on to become a world famous musician and conductor has been immortalised in a bust gifted to the McLean Museum by his family.

Henri Temianka, who was born in Rue End Street on November 19 in 1906, grew up to become a top virtuoso violinist and conductor.

As a tribute to the revered musician, who was 85 when he passed away in 1992 at his Los Angeles home, Henri’s son Dan has gifted a bronze portrait bust to the museum.

The gift marks the 110th anniversary of his father’s birth and it was unveiled at a special ceremony at the museum.

Dan flew all the way from America with his wife Zeinab for the occasion and said it was an ‘unbelievably exciting’ moment.

The first casting of the bust, crafted by the celebrated sculptor Miriam Baker, is positioned in Chapman University in California, where Henri was honoured with a $2.25 million endowed music professorship and scholarship gifted in his name by the Temianka family in 2013.

Dan said: “This is a source of deep joy for me and for my wife.

“We had the privilege of endowing a scholarship at Chapman University in California. 

“The university created the first bust, which stands in front of their performing arts academy between Mozart and Puccini.”

The contemporary recognition of Henri in his home town was sparked by a chance discovery.

Inverclyde Council education vice convener Martin Brennan explained how local historian Viki McDonnell should be congratulated for her efforts in researching Henri’s life.

He said: “But for a chance purchase we could easily not be standing here today celebrating Henri Temianka’s remarkable life. Viki purchased a candelabra in a local charity shop as a table decoration only to discover that it was a menorah. 

“This led her on a path which would uncover the history of Greenock’s Jewish community.

“That path would lead from the minister of Greenock Synagogue, Henri’s father, to the life of Henri and to this wonderful gift by Henri’s son Dan.”

During the ceremony, guests enjoyed looking through a fascinating booklet produced by Viki which documents Henri’s incredible life.

Councillor Martin Brennan told the Telegraph that the bust was a fitting tribute to a wonderful musician.

He said: “Henri’s life was a remarkable one. He is an individual held in high esteem in the world of classical music. 

“In addition to his long list of accomplishments, virtuoso violinist, conductor, inspirational teacher and author, he is a son of Greenock.

“We are honoured that Henri’s family spent his 110th birthday with us.  We are also honoured that they have chosen to give the town and the McLean Museum a gift of a bust as a permanent reminder of Henri and his achievements.”