SACRED SOLOS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 282, 25 August 1944, Page 6

SACRED SOLOS

Selections Criticized By Judge COMPETITIONS FESTIVAL Criticism of some of the songs regarded as sacred was expressed by Mr. Eruest Erapson, the adjudicator, at the conclusion of the women’s sacred solo at the Wellington competitions last night. _ Out of 45 competitors. Miss Joan Latimer, Christchurch, was placed first, receiving special praise. The choice of poor-quality selections marred the chances of some,” said. Mr. Empsou. Such songs' os "The Living God.” “My Task” and “Holy City” were sacred only in name. They were really poor stuff as music and full of sanctimonious twaddle. To balance that, however. there were many selections from Handel’s and Bach’s works. The winner had chosen “With Verdure Clad” and had given an outstanding performance., the technique being smooth, the registers even, the rhythm plastic and. very important. the diction bad been maintained throughout witli great clarity. Two classes in the senior elocution section in which poetry by New Zealand writers was set were judged at the Oddfellows’ Hall last night, one being the Katherine Mansfield recitation for men and women and the other a class for women only.

The result of the class for the best adult entertainer was announced last night. This is one of the first of the classes, in which the entrants are judged in ones or twos on the evening concert programmes, io be completed. Each competitor had a time limit of 15 minutes and had to give three items of a varied nature. Only three of the five entrants appeared. Further awards were announced yestcrdav as follows:— SACRED SOLO, women (45 entries).— Miss Joan Latimer, Christchurch. 88 pts., 1; Miss Rita Simpson, Christchurch, 85 pts.. 2; Miss Myrtle Guy, Wellington. 84 pts.. 3. NATIONAL SONG, 12-14 years (40 entries).—John Martyn-Young, Wanganui, DO pts., 1; Brian Harris. Hastings, and Betty Brosnan. Christchurch. 84 pts., equal 2: Joseph Jervis, Petone, and Valerie Black, Lower Hutt, S 3 pts., equal 3. KATHERINE MANSFIELD RECITATION. “The Conquerors,” by Robin Hyde (17 entries).— Miss Ngaire McNeely, Miramar, 85 pts.. 1: Miss Joan Prendergast. Hamilton. 83 pts., 2: Miss Joan Isbister, Seatoun, 80 pts. 3. RECITATION, women. “Rain," by Barbara Dent (16 entries).—-Miss Joan Isbister, Seatoun. 85 pts., 1: Miss Ngaire McNeely. Miramar. 82 pts., 2: Miss Joy Tremain, Wellington, SI pts., 3. BEST ENTERTAINER (three entries).— Miss Doreen Dickinson. Hataitai. 84 pts., 1. RECITATION, girls, 12-16 years, restricted class (49 entries).— Margaret Ede, Porirua, 81 pts., 1; Elizabeth Woolhouse, Wellington. 82 pts., 2; Elizabeth Hogg. Johnsonville. SO pts., 3. HUMOROUS RECITATION, girls., under 12 years (63 entries). —Marie Gleeson, Ngaio, 8! pts., 1; Patricia Christie, Miramar. and Patricia Culpitt. Miramar. S2 pts., equal 2. POETIC OR CLASSIC BAREFOOT DANCE, 14-16 years (15 entries). —Zelda Turvev. Potone. 89 pts.. 1: Beverley Grunr. Hataitai. SS pts., 2. TOE DANCE. 12-14 vears (22 entries).— Doreon Brown. Khandallnh, 81 pts., 1; Paulino Bierman, Brooklyn, SO pts., 2; Adele Jansen, Karori, 79 pts.. 3.

OPERATIC DANCE. 10-12 years (33 entries). —Dorothy .Tcnness. Lower Hutt, S 3 pts.. 1: Judith Wntt. Petone, 82 pts., 2. CHARACTER DANCE, 6-S years (37 entries). —Ruth McDonald, Newtown, S 7 pts., 1; Gaenor Grange. Lyall Hay. 85 pts., 2. TAP DANCE, boys, 9-12 years (five entries).—Wayne Howes, Berliampore, 75 pts.. 1; Jimmie Thompson, Petone. 74 pts.. 2. TAP DANCE, boys under 9 years (nine entries). —John McDonald. .Christchurch, 74 pts.. 1: Barry Jackson. Newtown. 70 pts., 2; Lionel Draper, Wellington, 69 pts., 3. Cathrine Berry, who was placed second in tiie solo song and dance. 12-16 years, received 79 points, not 6S as in flic results published yesterday.