SISTERS RETURN

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 82, 4 October 1938, Page 13

SISTERS RETURN

STUDY IN LONDON

MUSIC AND DRAMATIC ART

After nearly four years overseas, Miss Vivienne Blamires, A.R.C.M., L.R.A.M., and Miss Betty Blamires, Mus.Bac, A.R.C.M., returned home by the Maunganui today. Most of their time was spent in London, furthering their musical studies, but they found time to visit the Continent, and on their way home fulfilled broadcasting engagements in the principal cities of Australia. They are daughters of the Rev. and Mrs. E. O. Blamires, of Seatoun.

Both girls studied at the Royal College of Music, in London, Miss Vivienne Blamires specialising in the violin, singing, and conducting, and Miss Betty Blamires in the piano, composition; and dramatic work. The former won a scholarship to the college before leaving New Zealand, and the latter was awarded one in London.

In a five weeks' motoring tour of the Continent, although English was their only language, they became acquainted, wtih many parts of Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Switzerland, and France. Just before their departure for New Zealand Miss Betty Blamires participated in one of the Empire programmes broadcast from London through Daventry, and both girls haVe recently made themselves known to Australian listeners with violin and piano recitals from the main national stations. In England Miss Betty Blamires did some .work with the Group Theatre, which she explained was a sort of left wing of the theatre. She found it exceedingly interesting. Miss Vivienne Blamires participated in a lot of orchestral work.

The sisters paid a tribute to the quality and enthusiasm of London's musical circles, and said also that they, found the Australians very keenly interested in music.