Erica Rita Ina Chaplin A.M.U.A., L.A.B.
At seven years old
Chaplin was identified as a proficient violin player. The Mail stated of her
talents; “At that early period it was noticed that, without the presence of any
of those objectionable elements of precocity which generally lead to nowhere,
this little girl was gifted beyond the ordinary with musical temperament and
natural aptitude.”[2]
At four years old, Erica appeared on stage with comedian and
singer, Howard Vernon. Vernon was recognised worldwide for his performances of
Gilbert and Sullivan musicals.[3]
Her parents pushed Erica into learning piano, but she was drawn to the violin. In
1907, at the age of nine she entered a competition in Ballarat for children
under twelve and won two gold medals.[4]
In 1911, Erica passed the advanced grading of the Associated
Board. She won five scholarships and then won the distinction of being chosen for
the English Elder Scholarship. The scholarship offered three years of training at
the Royal College of Music, London.[5]
However, Chaplin began to fall ill, and could not take advantage
of the scholarship in London. She retired from public performance as her
illness overcome her. In 1922, Erica Chaplin died of Tuberculosis at the age of
23, at her parents’ house at Victoria Avenue, Rose Park.[6]
Miss Chaplin’s funeral was held at the Mortuary Chapel of the North Road Cemetery, overseen by Canon Jose on 31 October 1922.[7]
Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2020
[1] Chaplin Family Records, (2013), http://abundance.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/chaplin.pdf.
[2] 'MISS ERICA CHAPLIN', The Mail, (18 March 1916), p. 14., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59381819.
[3] Joan Maslen, 'Vernon, Howard (1848–1921)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/vernon-howard-8915/text15665
[4] 'Obituary.', Chronicle, (4 November 1922), p. 16., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87516776.
[5] 'MISS ERICA CHAPLIN'S CONCERTS.', The Register, (31 July 1920), p. 9., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article62929348.
[6] 'Obituary.', Chronicle, (4 November 1922), p. 16., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87516776.
[7] 'Family Notices', The Journal, (30 October 1922), p. 1., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208073502.
Erica's grave has the most amazing monument, with an intricately carved violin on it. Her grave is located in Path 26 North at North Road Cementer, and is well worth a visit!
ReplyDeleteErica's grave has the most amazing monument, with an intricately carved violin on it. Her grave is located in Path 26 North at North Road Cementer, and is well worth a visit!
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