COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

Grey River Argus, 20 October 1934, Page 6

COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

TEACHERS’ RECITAL. The complimentary recital tendered by the teachers of music, elocution, and dancing to the West Coast Competitions Society last evening, was an outstanding artistic success. The programme presented was well vaiied and carried the interest of the audience right to the concluding number. The various presentations indicated t(ie whole-souled endeavours of the teachers and their pupils to give ol their best and no pains were spared in achieving this worthy end. The programme was somewhat lengthy and this meant that encores could not be responded to, but in every case applause was bestowed in no uncertain manner, indicating the approval of the audience of the excellence of the fare provided.

Opening with a trio for the piano, played by Misses J. Abbie, J. Fowler and N. Harrie in a fine rollicking mood, the next number was a costumed ballet, “Hunting,” danced with zest and followed with a song by Miss Gladys Higson, “Softly Awakes My Heart,” sung with nice abandon and in traditional spirit. Miss Mavis Carruthers gave a rigorous reading of Schubert’s well-known “Impromptu in A Flat,” in which effective changes were made. The dialogue in character, “The Princess and the Woodcutter,’’ by Vonnie McDonnell and Nance McKane, was prettily put over, the woodcutter succumbing to the 'charms of the princess as was done in fairy-tale days. Messrs W. Richmond, G. Brown, L. Wicks ajid J. Boucher, always welcome as the “Lyric Four,” gave a spirited rendring of the “Border Ballad,” after which Misses Dorothy Thwaites and Mona Hannan presented an effective scene, “The Toy Shop,” in which groups of very young children provided a pleasing series of dances interspersed with libretto, for which there was a furore of applause. A smart tap duo was danced by Misses Nancy Harrie and Kath Thomson, after which the Grey Technical School choir sang “Everything is Bright and Gay” and “Dear Isle of Erin,” there being a nice tunefulness and good blend in the young voices. Later the choir sang “Dear Harp of My Country” and “Whispering Hope.” Little Ruth Stewart gave a pretty skipping dance, showing some prowess with her skipping rope. By special request Misses Ida Clayton, Cecilia Keating, Tessie McSherry, and Colleen Phillips gave their unaccompanied violin quartette, “Carnival of Venice,” one of the most tuneful arrangements of the well-known theme which gave opportunities for each performer to show musicianship. The orchestral selection by pupils of the Convent of Mercy, “Remembrance,” was tuneful and nicely blended by the violins, accompanied by Miss Mary McDonnell on the piano. “Peeps into Fairy Tale Land” by a number of young elocutionists was well thought out, and each character well delineated in an effective setting, with full costume, the feature being the dance of Miss V. Rouse. ’’Troika” (Tchaikowsky) was played on the piano by Miss Kath Fauth with considerable brilliance

and the true spirit of the. composer was nicejy portrayed. Miss Joyce Hignett gave a delightful reading of “Beloved it is Morn,” and possesses a contralto voice of much promise and pleasing quality. Zeta and Imelda Austin gave a lively little tap dance, “making it snappy” and showing ci mmendable deftness. Miro Gladys Wallwork, in her character recital,

“Oo ’Er,” got some good comedy “over” and the audience enjoyed the difficult experiences of the “slavey,” who lasted usually’ a month in each place she took. The mixed quartette, consisting of Mrs 11. Prescott, Miss J. Hignett, and Messrs E. and H. Boote, who sang with good blend, gave a nice reading of several well-known Scottish airs. Each theme was given a distinct rendering and the balance was effective and pleasing to the ear. ”11 Trovatore, ” always interesting and evergreen, played in duet form by Misses M. Coburn and M. Rundle, was loudly acclaimed by the audience. Altogether the programme was one of the best ever heard in GreymouttL

Ihe accompanistes for the evening were Misses Vonnie Millar, Dorothy Austin, S. McSherry, Nancy Harrie Cecil Hannan, and Mary McDonnell,’ who carried out their duties well.

Before the concluding number, Mr R. T. Bush, the stage manager, re turned thanks on behalf of the Society, to the teachers, and their pupils, for the excellent programme, and thanked the audience for its generous reception of the various numbers.