Courtesy of John Ardoin

“My musical studies were begun when I was four years old. I studied piano many years but as my family was in very comfortable circumstances, my music was not considered seriously. I was sent to finishing school, studied languages and singing all as social accomplishments only. One day in 1930, upon our return from a cruise, we found our ‘comfortable circumstances’ had vanished so I have been giving piano instruction. However, I always loved to sing so I continued my vocal studies and have sung in concerts and made my debut as Nedda, in Pagliacci, but as an amateur. My voice is admired but opportunities are so few and I find that corner – from amateur to professional – a very difficult one to turn.”