PRIZE-WINNERS’ CONCERT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 91, 1 April 1932, Page 10

PRIZE-WINNERS’ CONCERT

SPLENDID PERFORMANCES For those who may Have fears that the younger generation of to-day have no desire to develop their talent and accomplishments the performances which were given in the Napier Drill Hall last evening, when the prize-win-ners at the Napier musical and elocutionary competitions gave a demonstration concert, must have had their opinions reversed and been made to realise of what charm and ability the youth of these days is capable. In music, elocution and in dance, there could be nothing but admiration for the performances, of the children, some of them being of tender years. In dance numbers they showed the grace and charm of movement which could not but fail to win its way to the heart. They could sing and recite, m character or otherwise, with nai.vete and lack of self-consciousness, which in children is so good to see, while their voices revealed the sweetness and mellowness which reflects back upon the training and instruction they had received from those who were responsible. The performances of the children were certainly the most outstanding and entertaining portion of the programme, but not by any means did they constitute the whole of it. There were also items of a vocal, instrumental and elocutionary nature by adults, who, in their various numbers showed ability of an unusually high standard. There was about then work a touch of artistry such as is met with on only very rare occasions, and the audience was not slow to appreciate this fact.

In all, there were 68 items on the programme and to attempt to individualise in any of the classes would not only be difficult, but it would be doing an injustice to those whom it were not possible to mention. They were all wonderfully good without a single exception, and we will therefore content ourselves with a statement of that fact, and tender congratulations upon their performances to all those who figured on the programme. The attendance was a particularly good one, and despite a large number of items, the fact that at their conclusion the seats still remained fully occupied is ample testimony of the enjoyment of every member of the audience. The various numbers were all put on without any delay, and in this connection credit bust be given to Messrs. J. Hawke and W. Ireland, the stage managers, to Mr S. P. Spilier, the secretary, all of whom saw that everything was carried out with the utmost expedition and smoothness. Mrs Bromley Hill, Messrs A. W. Pacey, W Mitchell, and the other ladies who assisted in the accompaniments have also to he mentioned for the assistance which they gave the performers in their numbers, by the sympathetic nature of their work at tho piano. The same performance will he given at the Hastings Municipal Theatre tonight.