THE COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 215, 7 September 1912, Page 10

THE COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —"Mater" in to-night's i«sue complains of the treatment of certain musical competitors (presumably one of the choirs) on Wednesday evening. I don't think the primary idea was the entertainment of the audience on that occasion. Rather, it was a trial of musical ability, and those who come forward in a public test of that kind, should certainly have sufficient courage to both ■ await and receive the criticism they have invited. As for the " flawless rendering" of their test piece, surely " Mater " must be an exceedingly expert critic, since she evidently disagrees so I flatly with the adjudicator's fiat. Aβ j one who has studied Sir Orchard's methods, and greatly admired them. I feel it necessary to deprecate an indictment bo severe an the letter of your correspondent. The judging of musical events is a difficult, and often a thankless task. Most people dislike exceedingly to hear the troth of themselves, but it is only by doing so that, they find their levels. By his fearless and outspoken remarks, I consider that Mr Orchard has done most valuable service in raising the musical standard of Auckland. Justice, not favour, should be the desire of all competitors. Those too nervous to await for a few moments the judge's convenience would be well advised to refrain from further appearance in public. I may mention, in conclusion, that the only competitor in whom I am interested was certainly young, and came n for a good deal of candid criticism, received, I am glad to say, as it was meant—for her good. The Competitions Society are fortunate if in future they secure so able an adjudicator as Mr Orchard.—l am, etc., "AD ASTRA." September 3, 1012.

I (T« the Editor.) Sir, —I would like to say a few words in reference to the recent musical competitions. In my opinion the test eongs chosen for the soloists were too difficult, considering that it was amateurs who were competing. The judge's severe comments were most uncalled for. Fancy the ordinary amateur, no matter how beautiful his or her voice was, attempting such songs as "Salve dimora," "Che faro," or "Hall of Song"! Why, it would Tequire a iMelba or a Tetraßzini to possess anything like the qualification*; for singing such florid, exacting music ac "Bel raggio." Even the moet courageous, ambitious debutante wojild find the task set for her a most trying one- If she could come through the ordeal with anything like success, she would be qualified for any grand opera company that ha* come our way. Wβ have beautiful voices here in Auckland. I think the judge should have given the competitors every praise for their attempts at singing the masterpieces set for them, instead of carping and sneering in the disparaging way that he did. All great singers were amateurs at some time in their lives; kindly encouragement no doubt helped to place them in exalted positions in the musical world. I «> not think each a severe judge as M*. Orchard would be likely to stimulate young aspirant* for the concert or operatic stage— am. etc C. KIEKBY. ' 4s, PonsoKßjr Road. *