Demonstration Concerts End Competitions Week

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31060, 16 May 1966, Page 10

Demonstration Concerts End Competitions Week

A feast of good entertainment was offered on Saturday by trophy winners at the Christchurch Competitions Society's demonstration concerts, but the evening's house at the Civic Theatre was no more than one-third full.

But the scanty audience could not detract from a firstclass show. Every item was a worthy one. and most of the performers left the stage with more than one trophy. Joan Palmer's fine soprano voice filled the large theatre in a Mozart aria, and the deep, full tones of Brian Gallas singing "The Yeomen of England” will long be remembered. Both were excellent performances. Suzanne Day, winner of the Flint Cup, danced a tap solo with skill and obvious enjoyment. The audience was quick to share her enthusiasm. Jeanette Luke’s character sketch of “Second-hand Rose” was delightful. She lived the part as she danced it. The winner of last week’s open event for piano-accor-dions, Diane Foster, who is only 13, presented a breathtaking performance of “Rhapsody in Blue.” Her accordion seemed to possess the power of a full pipe organ. Joanne Ballinger demonstrated the dramatic power which brought her the highest praise from the drama judge (Miss F. King) last week. Her speech from Marlowe's “Dr. Faustus” was intensely dramatic.

National dancing was well represented, too. Tall, blond Heather Dawson demonstrated the graceful skill which won her the South Island championship in the Highland fling, and the New Zealand champion, Rosemary Armstrong. clattered out a lively Irish jig.

Of the afternoon’s concert no item impressed more than tiny Niki Greenes fancy dance. The six-year-old s charm and daintiness captivated the audience. The concerts demonstrated that the future of live entertainment is in excellent hands. Those who missed the concerts missed an exciting experience. _____