COMPETITIONS FESTIVAL

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22717, 23 May 1939, Page 13

COMPETITIONS FESTIVAL

GRAND OPERA ARIA CONTEST DECIDED

three more nights before

demonstrations

With four of the country’s best opera singers performing in die final of the grand opera aria contest, the attendance at the Civic Theatre last evening for the Christchurch competitions festival was verv meagre. Christchurch claims to be a musical city, but the theatre was only half full for one of the most important nights of the festival. , Eight arias were sung by foul finalists, and (he response of such audience as \v\s there was so enthusiastic that during a soft passage in the prologue to Leoncavallo’s "Pagliacci,” the ticking Of the theatre clock could be heard. The judge, Mr James A. Fraser, ot Melbourne, said afterwards that he baa enjoyed four very good singers:, Tlie winner, Ml'S Alison Cordery, of St. Albans, who wins the £2O prize, had sung v.ith perfect time, never varying a note, and her manner had pleased him. Her inlet - pretations were both excellent, and each created an atmosphere. Second, Mr Robert Allison, also ol Christchurch, sang "Credo,” mom "Othello.” as well as the "Pagliacci prologue, and Mr Fraser said that these performances had been inspired. Ihe top notes had given no trouble to tbe singer. Miss Marie Campbell (Timaru). who was third, had needed restraint, said the judge, for she had overstressed in places. With thiee nights left, the competitions now provide very good entertainment. for the remaining classes are all interesting. To-night especially will there be great crowds in the theatre, for the junior choir contest. There will also be decided the Gunner memorial vocal solos, operatic and dramatic solos, the men’s sacred solo, and the men's vocal scholarship. Results (competitors from Christchurch unless otherwise stated):—

Piano Solo, the Society's scholarship (8) —Gwen Kelly, 102 points, 1. Some players failed in the test piece, the judge said.

Operatic or Dramatic Solo, mezzo-so-prano (15)— Mrs Cyril Haase, 81 points, li Mrs A. ,H. Pedder, 80 points. 2. Some had sung soprano songs, said Mr Fraser Pronunciation Test (7) —Gordon Wilson and D. G. McNeill, seven out of 18 (equal) 1, Beryl Bnggs (Dunedin) and Miss Pat Smith (Springbank). six out of 13 (equal) 2. English Song, soprano (19)— Beryl Gough, 82 points, 1; Ailsa Crompton, 79 points, 2, Grand Opera Aria (47) Mrs A. Cordery. 180 points, 1; Mr R, Allison, 189 points. 2: Miss Marie Campbell (Timaru), 182 points. 3. Tap Duo, under 13 (19)—Valda Rouse and Coral Fraser 1, Valerie Stewart and Pauline Davies, Hector McPherson and Fred Hosendale 2. This was decided on May 12.