Singers return from Sydney

Press, 24 September 1980, Page 6

Singers return from Sydney

Two Christchurch singers returned from Australia yesterday after competing with distinction in the City of Sydney Eistedfodd. Ms Judy Bellingham, a teacher at Cashmere High School, was placed first in five sections of the competition, second twice, and third twice.

Among the trophies she won are the Nellie Melba Trophy for champion woman singer of the eistedfodd, the Horace Stevens Challenge Cup for oratorio, and the Deanna Durbin Challenge Shield for modem art song. Her companion, Ms Jillian Bartram, a secondary school-

teacher trainee, was first four times, and second twice. Her trophies include the Peter Dawson Shield for an Australian or New Zealand composition. She sang the winning song, “Winter Light,” composed by Professor John Ritchie, of the University of Canterbury. Ms Bellingham, a soprano, and Ms Bartram, a mezzo soprano, were two of five New Zealanders competing in the eistedfodd. which attracted more than 1000 entrants. New Zealanders won all the main prizes. in three sections of the competitions, most of which were held at the Sydney Opera House.