CHANCE FOR SINGERS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 256, 26 July 1935, Page 12

CHANCE FOR SINGERS

Musicians Express Their Appreciation

OPERATIC COMPETITION .Much interest is being taken in the city in the announcement of the special prize that, is being offered by tlie M ellington Competitions Society in conjunction with “Tlie Dominion’ for tlie encouragement of advanced young singers. lit brief the proposal is to offer as a. prize in the operatic aria section in the local compelilions a trip to Ballarat with the object of participating, as the representative of New Zealand, in tlie great operatic aria contest, there. Tlie Sydney “Sun” is once more offering 230 guineas in prizes and such is the proficiency in judging at this competition that the winner is almost assured of a position in the musical world. 'l’be opinion of a few of the leading AVellington musicians, who were consulted about the offer, is given below.

“I think the idea of encouraging young singers is a capital one, said Air. Robert Parker. “Travel always appeals io young people, titul when it involves a competition el the sort promoted by the Ballarat society in combination with the Sydney “Sun,” it offers a special inducement: to young singers of ambition. It should act as a stimulus to the right sort of endeavour.”

“It's just a line idea,” said Mr Stanley Oliver, conductor of the Royal Choral Union and Wellington Alale Voice Choir. “Youth looks for an incentive —something to struggle for, something to study for, with a definite aim or goal. Well, here it is! Aria singers of real worth do not blossom on every tree; but there are some beautiful, fresh young voices in this country capable of being trained to sing such music. Personally I am glad to see that they are being encouraged by the offer to the winner at the XVelllngton Coinpetitions of a trip to Alelbournc and Ballarat. They might not win over there, but they would at all events learn something from tlie contacts they would make. lam sure tlie Offer of such a prize will cause considerable interest in the aria conipctition here in Wellington."

Something for Local -Music

“It is always cheering to bear of someone doing something for local music.” said Aliss Valerie Corliss, the honorarv organiser for the British Alusid Society, "and I think ‘The Dominion’ and the Competitions Society are to be commended for promoting this aria contest: here among us all. I feel sure it will greale a good d<‘ul of attention. 'The idea Is specially valuable here where we are so far away from the musical centres of the world The winner of Hie AVellington competition will have at least the opportunity of pitting his or her talent against some of the best of the young singers in Australia, and that, at least, will spell experience. But why limit it to singers? This form of travelling prize is a really attractive idea, and might be extended to pianists, violinists and others with advantage. So many New Zealanders have had to go away to find real appreciation. The experience of competing at Ballarat, after winning in Wellington, should go some way at least toward ‘placing’ them. Even if they do not or cannot win there. Hie experience should be of great value.” “It is a wonderful gesture,” said Air. Frank J. Oakes, the conductor of the Jubilee. Choir. "It is an excellent idea to encourage young singers. There is not enough of that sort of thing done in New Zealand in my opinion. As a matter of fact I suggested something of the sort to tlie competitions people some three years ago. They thought then that it was a good idea, but had not the means to put it into operation. Here young singers for the most part had nothing to look forward to. 'lbis gives them a definite objective. The idea should meet: with the whole-souled support of singing teachers, for it will give their star pupils the opportunity of showing their artistry in operatic aria. I should think the society would be snowed under with entries. To young singers capable of singing an aria it is the clianee of a lifetime. lam sure nothing of tlie kind lias ever been offered in the musical life of the Dominion.” "Extremely Refreshing." "It is extremely refreshing to hear of the interest being taken in our young singers as evidenced l»y this substantial offer on Hie part of the Competitions Society and ’The Dominion.’” said Mr. Gordon Short. "I was only reading in that paper the opinion of Air. T. D. H. Hall on the lack of appreciation of almost all forms of art in New Zealand as compared with the attitude in Australia. and 1 do not know that it does not extend to music. There are circles in each town the members of which are highly appreciative, but the general public is sometimes lukewarm in its appreciation of local talent, often of a high order. For that reason I think those responsible are to be commended fot making this splendid offer. It Should encourage all young singers of wortli to redouble their efforts. Very good voices are still rare in the world, aiftl if New Zealand could only find one now and again, the gain could scarcely be measured. Look what Alelba did for Australia! The offer should produce good entries.” “I was very much interested when I read of the proposal to make the first prize in the aria class at tho Competitions here a trip to Ballarat.” said Air. Temple White, conductor of tlie Harmonic Society and the Apollo Singers. ‘‘Such an idea. too. is quite in season seeing that a New Zealander. Mr. Denis Dowling, of Dunedin, came out on top last year, and Aliss Alva Alyers, also of Dunedin, was in the final six. I do not see why there should not be voices in New Zealand as good as anywhere else in tlie world. This sort: of encouragement might be the means of discovering sneli singers. I think tin’ action of ‘The Dominion’ and the society in ihis matter highly commendable"