N.Z. SINGER IN LONDON

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28252, 13 April 1957, Page 6

N.Z. SINGER IN LONDON

Success Of Auckland Soprano

[.From the ■London Corresponds of “The Press’’} LONDON, April 2. The Auckland soprano, Mis Betty-Dawn Hellawell, was highly praised by Sir Steuart Wilson, formerly music director of the Art Council of Great Britain, and the 8.8.C.’s head of music in IMB. after her performance in the finil concert of the festival of Commonwealth Youth, sponsored by the Overseas League. Although she did not win the event, Sir Steuart Wilson, who acted as judge, said that Miss He), lawell was an artist of unusuil ability and maturity. “She shows an exactitude which I value,” he aded,. “and alacrity which I envy.” The festival was the seventh organised in London by the Ovtrseas League. It is designed to display the talents of some of the most promising musicians of the Commonwealth in London. Aged 26, Miss Hellawell we educated at St. Mary’s Collect Auckland. She studied music and passed the fellowship examinatift of the Trinity College of Muj in singing. Encouraged by ccA petitions successes and by winntt the John Court memorial operaflt scholarship, she came to England at the end of 1954 to further he training. She is a pupil of Mr Dawson Freer, and is studyinfl variety of operatic work at th: Opera School.

In July, Miss Hellawell is plaining a three months visit to Auckland, where she will sing with the Auckland Royal Male Choir, and in a final demonstration cotcert of the competitions. She is also hoping to give a number of recitals during he visit. Miss Hellawell is the daughte of Mr and Mrs J. A. Hellawell, d Green Lane.