Mildred Wellerson

American cellist Mildred Wellerson was a childprodigy who had begun making public appearances by the age of four, and, under the name Mila Wellerson, continued to perform as an adult in the United States and Europe. She and her twin sister, Eugenia were taught to play instruments at an early age by their mother, Mera Schkolnik. Eugenia, who studied violin, often appeared with her sister in early recitals, but it was Mildred, billed as "the Miracle of the Cello" who eventually would receive the most publicity and go on to secure professional engagements as a soloist. In 1920, Mildred made her official solo debut at the Carnegie Chamber Music Hall and had several other important concerts later that same year, including public recitals at Aeolian Hall and the main auditorium of Carnegie Hall, as well as an appearance as a soloist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. She toured Europe in the spring of 1922. Adopting the professional name, Mila Wellerson, in 1930, she was one of the winners of a prize from the Walter W. Naumburg Musical Foundation, which sponsored her 1931 recital at Town Hall. Sporadic New York appearances followed, most notably a benefit performance at Town Hall in 1935, but the 1930s also found Mildred appearing at Radio City Music Hall (1934) and with WPA groups (1939). By 1952 Mila Wellerson had moved to Holland and settled in the Hague where her sister lived after her marriage with a Dutch man.