Rossini Vrionides facts for kids

Rossini Waugh Stewart Vrionides (born June 25, 1896 – died November 25, 1943) was an American artist. She was an actress, a composer, an organist, and a violinist. She was well-known for performing in vaudeville shows and on stage. She often used the stage name "Gypsy Rossini." Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment in the early 1900s. It included many different acts like music, comedy, and dancing.

Early Life and First Marriage

Rossini was born in Tipton, Indiana, in 1896. Her parents were James and Eva Waugh. When she was young, she was already acting. She played the main role in a play called "Running for Governor." This play was performed at McVicker's Theater in Chicago.

While acting, Rossini met Cal Stewart. He was a famous performer. They got married in New York on July 6, 1914.

Performing as Gypsy Rossini

Rossini often performed with her husband, Cal Stewart. Her brother and sister also joined them on tour. They all appeared in vaudeville shows together.

Rossini had a special role in Stewart's popular "Uncle Josh" shows. She played the character of Aunt Nancy. She also performed as "Gypsy Rossini," playing the violin. Her sister, Marjorie, often played the piano to accompany her.

Later Life and Music

Cal Stewart passed away in 1919. Rossini continued to perform on her own. She also started teaching music. She gave lessons for the organ and the violin. For several years, she taught violin at St. Joseph's Academy in Tipton.

On April 19, 1933, Rossini married again. Her second husband was Christos Vrionides. He was a conductor, which means he led musical groups like orchestras or choirs.

In 1940, Rossini and Christos Vrionides worked together on a special project. They composed a collection of songs called A Cycle of Whitman Poems. These songs were written for a mixed chorus and solo singers. The words for the songs came from poems by the famous writer Walt Whitman. Two well-known pieces from this collection are Out of the Rolling Ocean the Crowd and Washington's Monument.