Mildred Wellerson papers, 1895-1972

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Creator

Wellerson, Mildred.

Location

Music Division

Extent

• 5.3 linear feet (7 boxes)

Scope/Contents Note

The Mildred Wellerson Papers primarily consist of clippings, fliers, photographs, programs, and scrapbooks that document the early career of the cellist, both as a child prodigy and as a young woman. The three scrapbooks are in different formats, but each covers roughly the sametime period (1916-1923); these scrapbooks contain most of the biographical information on Wellerson that is to be found in the collection. Some loose materials, dating fromthe 1930s, which had been inserted between the leaves of the largest scrapbook have been removed and filed in separate folders by material type. While most of this material is in English, there are a few clippings and other items in Czech, Dutch, French, German, Russian, or Yiddish. Manuscript and printed scores partially document her repertory and include Wellerson's only known composition, Lullaby (The Cranky Baby), as well as some cello arrangements she made of the works of other composers. Some of the printed scores are inscribed to Wellerson and include hard to find pieces by Jewish and women composers, such as Boris Levenson and Eda Rapoport. The collection, though limited in scope, contains materialof interest on the phenomenon of child prodigies, opportunities for women musicians, and the development of the cello repertoire in the first half of the twentieth century.

Biographical/Historical Note

American cellist Mildred Wellerson (born 1910) was a childprodigy who had begun making public appearances by the ageof four, and, under the name, Mila Wellerson, continued toperform 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 MusicHall 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). For reasons that are unclear, Wellerson had moved to Holland by 1952 and settled in the Hague; a letter in the collection indicates that she was still living in Holland in 1972. It is not known what became of Mildred Wellerson after 1972.

Controlled Access Terms

• Wellerson, Mildred.
• Gifted children.
• Violoncello music -- 20th century.
• Violoncellists -- United States.
• Women musicians.
• Fliers.
• Photographs.
• Programs.
• Clippings.
• Scrapbooks.
• Violoncellists.

Additional Creator Names

• Levenson, Boris, 1884-1947.
• Rapoport, Eda, 1900-
• Wellerson, Eugenia.
• Wellerson, Mildred. Lullaby.
• American Music Collection.