Frances McDermott with her singing class, on via Col di Lana in Rome, c. 1959.

Frances McDermott (centre) with her singing class at the home of her teacher, Maria Teresa Pedicone, on via Col di Lana in Rome, c. 1959. On first arriving in Rome, after her award from the singing competition, Frances had studied with the famous opera singer Toti dal Monte. Later, she auditioned at the Conservatorio di San Cecelia and was awarded scholarship there. Though she was very happy with Ms Pedicone, Frances never finished her course of study. Three months after meeting Harry Thuillier, she married him in Dublin. It was love at first sight.