DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14926, 31 August 1910, Page 4

DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS

NINTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL,

THE OPENING DAY.

Patron, his Excellency the Governor, Lord Islington; Executive Committee—His Worship the Mayor of Dunedin (president), Mr J. Waddell Smith (vice-president), Rev. Canon W. Curzon-Siggors, M.A. (lion, treasurer), Messrs J. A. Park, T. W. Whitson, S. Solomon, K.C., A. C. Hanlon, F. J. Stilling, W. Walls, Dr Roberts, H. F. Moss, R. A. Ewing. Dr Hall, J. L. Salmond, J. H, Walker, F. G. Duncan, and H. L. Tbploy. With record attendances for on opening day, tho ninth_ annual festival of tho Dunedin Competitions Society was commenced yesterday in His Majesty's Theatre- and ■Victoria Hall. Tho entries this year are not quite so large as was the case last year, but, so far as can be seen by yesterday's performances -and the names ranged in.the programme, that slight falling off will certainly not extend to the quality of those taking'part. As for tho interest displayed by the audiences—this bids fair to establish a record. Yesterday afternoon's audience in His Majesty's was such.f.s to fill tho largo circle to ovcrorowding and leave many standing,' while, at vho sarno time that this position obtained, the Victoria Hall adjoining; where the elocutionary items were in pvognss, was also graced by a distinctly largo gathering. These facts afford very substantial evidence, that this year's festival will provo a.success, even more pronounced than that which has attended ' tho preceding year's functions. The evening atidionce, of course, attained very satisfactory dimensions. The morning session opened pr-vnptly at 10 a.m. with' the musical monologue, in which'lo competitors.—all ladies—appeared. Thifl was the oidy work of the morning, but in the afternoon there were held the humorous ' recitation for gentlemen (own selection), the prepared speech (for which only three gentlemen competed), tho recitation for ladies—•' The Lady of Shallot"— tho pianoforte solo " Idyll," the soprano solo " How fair is the earth," and the tenor ;'olo "Evening." In the averring the recalls of the musical monologue tho soprano solo, gentleman's recitation, pianoforte solo, and tenor, solo wore heard. The pianoforte duet (over 18) was also taken. In this there was but one entry—Miss Ailcen Moore and Mr! Stanley Browning. _ The final of the ladies' humorous recitation will come on. this evening. One of the comediettas was given last cvenmg by Miss May Bain and Mr George Bridge. ' '. Mr J. Waddell Smith, (vice-president) occupied the chair at the day sessions, and exercised a guiding hand iii the evening, when his Worship the Mayor presided The stage director is Mr K Towsey, and Mrs F. Montaguo is the accompanist; The judge of elocution this year is Mr W. L. Paiiib, of Melbourne; and Professor J. Ives (Mus. Baoli., Queen's College, Cambridge), also of Melbourne, .is adjudicator in instrumental and vocal music. Both gentlemen are experienced in work of this nature, and their remarks yesterday wore, listend. to with interest and attention.

In speaking in the morning, Mr Paine said 1 ho was naturally much interested in regard, to tho class of work he would have before him during the next 10 days. He could say .that there had not been one bad recital tihat .morning.' Things . were, naturally a littlo different in some ways from Australia, but these wore chiefly matters bf.deta.il: He would be in attendance shortly after 9 o'clock on Wednesday morning to see and. discuss with..competitors'their performances and see theirmnrks. ' Profesor ,'lwii .also 'spoke on several occasions; outlining the details oE tho pieces as well as giving valuable hints as to the methods of interpretation. A very complete method of marking is being adopted this year, and should give tho utmost satisfaction to all concerned. For each section, a littfc book is prepared for tho -judge. Each leaf is set out with the various sections for the marks, and at the completion! of the event a duplicate copy can bo hawfed to each competitor, THE EVENING SESSION. The audience was a. very big ono at tho evening entertainment, when his Worship the Mayor (Mr T. Colo) presided. Before the commencement of tho entertainment the Garrison Band played through tho streets to tho door of the theatre—a kindness much appreciated by the officials of the society. The Mayor, in officially declaring the festival open, said that it had always been the custom, of tho society to mako tho Mayor of the city president of tho society. Ho could assure them ho had very much pleasure in being there that,evening. The society, since ite inauguration, had been, watched by him with interest, and he know the good and pleasure that came thcrc-torni. Tho socifitv t.ad been formed in 1902 in «. small way, but all knew how it had grown year by year since then. Last year there was the record entry of 1148, but this year there wcro only 1050. This slight falling off was duo probably to the institution of competitions in Christehurch, and ako to tho fact that tho Invercargill competitions were being 'hold this year at the same timo as' the Dunedin festival. After reviewing tho objects of the society, the speaker said tho officials) hoped to bo ablo in time to institute scholarships for the various sections, which would enablo those who -woresuccessful to carry on thnir studies to greater advantage.- -(Applause.) He thought the promoters of Hie society 'Wore to be congratulated on the result of their efforts. They had had splendid entertainments, and in this connection ho would refer to the success of Mr Btennan, who was just away to Australia. Ho was sure, he would turn out a thorough actor. Ho concluded by expressing thanks to those who, by devoting their time ,a>nd' fihergy to. the socieiy, assisted its success. He had much pleasure in declaring tlie competition festival open. The following are tho results: — MUSICAL MONOLOGUE .(ladies and gentlemen, amateurs; own selection). First £2 2s, second 10s 6d. Mies May Baitt (South Dunedin), 72 marks 1 Miss Ethel Churchill (Dunedin), 70-marks 2 Mill Lilian King, Dunediii, 63 marks ... 3 There were 14 entrants for this piece, but only 10 rame forward. The above-named wcro recalled from the. afternoon session. In .making his award, Mr Paine commented on the fact.that all had buen handicapped in tho matter of pulsation. In a xeciUl they- sliould have a recital, and have, the effects clearly brought out. It seemed to him, 6peaklng from experience, that tho music could be, arranged to give proper .pau&3. This could only be done by propor rehearsals. As with all elocutionary items, a musical monologue required constant and efficient rehearsal. "Tlie Lost Token" (Miss Bain) was a. beautiiul thing, but it* sudden changes of idea. required proper pauses to get the real effeot. " Snowllakes" (Miss Churchill) was well recited, and tho competitor had a jiico idea. of. tho piece— a littlo lacking in : tona colour, howevor. Miss King should. bo careful about her rhythmic accent—the accumulated force at times was not sufficiently marked. -The judge remurkod on tho habit of-somo competitors of standing . with hands behind tho back. This did not improve the deportment, and he would like to see, this point studied more. Tho hands should be seen; not hidden. Performers, also,. should not sway from side to side. Other competitors in this section wcro: Misses Margaret Short (Dunedin). Ethel M. Frae.r (Dunedin), lilla M. Fracr (Dunedin), Isabel Forrester (Caversham), Orma Do Maus (Port Chalmers),. Mrs \V R. Brinslev (Dunedin), and Esther DeverMiix (Christehurch).' HUMOROUS RECITATION (gentlemen; own selection). First £1 Is, second 10s 6d. P. A. Dcvercaux (Christehurch), 70 marks 1 D. J. Miller (Maori Hill), 68 marks) ... 2 Tho other competitors were: 0. C. Mazongarb (Dunsdiii) and Gerald MacC'ormac (West Harbour). Tho judge in announcing his decision, said that Mr Miller had chosen in "My Awful Experience with a. Whistle*" a very difficult selection, He had a rather mice- idea of the piece, but his enunciation ivuuired improvement, his voice was ralhor thin, and he had the tendency fc> drift off at tho end of bis soncYCjyjur ftgrf&roancp was bittw

■than his afternoon's showing. Ho sheniid, pay 60ino attention to'tho habit of homing; his hands in his pocket—ho liad orrodj in this respect, and had shown two characters—his own as well as the person ho (was,. portraying. In regard to Mr Dcvcrtnaux ho bud told "Tho Groom's Story" Arcll, but. he (tho judge) thought it could bo 'improved unon. Towards tlic end ho should havo shown .more excitement, j PREPARED SPEECH (amateurs), JDo Now Zealamtes Dcvoto Too Much Tuno to-Athletics?" 'First £2 2s, second £t Is. D. Hebenton (Masterton) \ 1 T. P. Laffev (Ilimcdin) 2 KV. Slyficld (Normanb'y) -. I 3 These wore (ha only competitors, ilip fourth entrant, not coining forward. The\ judges wero Messrs.ll. D. Bedford, M.A., > LL.M., and W. R. Brugh, and in giving \ out. the result tho lattor said that two com- ; pctitcre were so close together that it had ( ' bseu very difficult to decide between thorn, > The prize-taker' was, perhaps, a little better. J but inclir.ed to bo not forcible enough, and j the second man er.\-d rather on tho othen side—in fact, ho was so forciblo that his' force • lost, its force. Mr Slvfiold spoke,' ■beautifully round! the subject, "but did not/ convince tho audience whether tho 'answer was "Yes" or "No." Mr Bedford, iii adding it few words, said that the aim pf a speaker was to convino an audience. Mr ■ Slyfield had dealt with his subject • rather as a judge putting the pros and coim before a, jury. , RECITATION, Ladies (amateurs): "-Thd Lady of■ ifihdlott:" First £2 2s, .vvoni ' lck fa; ■■■■■> j ',; Eleven ladies were heard irt this ;>ieco, and the following four were recalled for tho final, lo'bYheld this evening:—MissJ3athie HoWio Stuart (South Dunedin), Miss Alieo Austin (Duii?din), Miss Julia Jacoh-. (Duncdin),. and.-Miss..Esther Devereaux (Christchurch). The'others who competed wore:— Mifs IrahCran.-fßoslyn), Miss Julia Anderson • (Dunedin), Miss Margaret Short (Dunedin), Miss Ella M. Freer (Dunedin), ■ Miss Anna Armour (Dunedin), and Mis 3 Jessie Black (Dunedin). PIANOFORTE SOLO (15 .and under 18), "Idyll." First £1 Is, second 10s 6d. Miss Zillali. "■' 'Browning (Roslynj, 95 'morla'. .. .'..'.; '. - 1 Miss ■ ; Ruby;'• Birth (Musselburgh), 92 marks .■'.. ■'"..: 2 Miss,lvy Beck (Dunedin), 89 marks ... 3 : This competition, was held in the afterneon, and the.judge' .recalled the abovo Hires for tho,' evening session. > In makfnghis award: Professor Ives said that Miss Barth showed a j good spirit and a good balance parts:.. If anything, her tempowas on the slow, side: Miss Browning had. good tempo, but Miss Book suffered a little in islowiies3;of tempo- at beginning and end. He.considered.that tho listening to these. 13■ corripiptitors had'.provided a. tit-bit' by way ofjeompohsatiort. for the- stormy passage from; The performances, with; : two/ exceptions, had been a"' real credit to, both pupils and teachers, and were of very, high merit. Ho partial- . larly regretted having to leave out Miss Ruby North, Omimi (83 marks), Master • Chas Martin, Cnversham Rise (88 marks), Miss E. Bennett, Dunedin, (84 marks), and Miss Alison:Tucker, Dunedin (87 marks): Tbu other competitors were:—Miss Doris Dempster (Dunedin), Miss Nessio Scott (Ravensbourno), ' Miss ; Margaret M'Connell (Caversham), Mr Ernest Armstrong (Musselburgh), iMiss Elsio Kettle (Port Chalmers), Miss • Elsio M'Dougall (Dunedin), and Miss Mona Shrimpton (Dunedin). SOPRANO SOLO (amateurs), "How fair is the earth." First £2 2s, second 10s 6d. Miss'. Daisy Hall (Highcliff), 89 marks 1 Miw- Vida■. Waters (Dunedin), 86 marks 2 Miss May Walton (Dunedin), 83 marks 3 Others who were heard in the afternoon were Miss ■ Sadio Broad (Dunedin), Mia C. -M. Crowther (Invercargill), and Miss Mary Paton (Dunedin).

In announcing the result Professor Ives said that all had made the tempo far too slow, and all tin glory- and joy had thus been taken ortt of the song;. 'There was no reason, for tho mistake. Competitors who sacrificed artistic effect to accuracy— who would not take-liberties'with the time —vi'Gro more likely to lote marks than gain them with him. 0; Miss Hall, ho would Bay sho had _ great ]wssibtlities in tho future. Ho wished to compliment her on her possession of a voice which was .full of promise. It was of a nice Jiquid full quality, brought out with an almost perfect mtthod of production—so simpltj and natural—and was sung in, nice easv fashion' throughout, Sbo was pernios not so experienced as Miss Waters,' but her (legibility and general work done made him say, "You havu hero a young lady of great promise." In regard to Miss' Waters,- lie would compliment her- on her excellent stago deportment. She had a nice facial expression and a nice manner. Her voice was good iir some respects, but was unequal in quality. Sometimes' sho gave a glorious note, and then ono that was not glorious. Sho had a, good conception, but sometimes her phrasing wa6 not good. Miss Walton had not done' herself justice because of her nervousness. Sho had a very nice voice, and gave some refined work, but wa6 spoilt by her nervousness. . Tiio marks of thost, not recalled were:— Miss Broad. 76 j Mrs Crowther, 74; and Miss Paton, 77. Miss Broad had a small voice, and should get greater breadth ol tono and not squeeze the. throat 'muscles. Mrs- Crowthor's voice imcded building up and lacked control. Miss Pntora tried for strength instead of quality, and hor production of tho top register was faulty.' TENOR SOLO (amateurs),' " Evening." First £2 2s. second 10s 6d. W. H. Ashcroft (.Dunedin), 87 marks ... 1 D. Lyons (South Dunedin), 85 marks... 2 H. Richards (Invercargill),' 84 murks... 3 Commenting upon thp singers, tho judge said that Ml' Richards was inclined to bo a littlo hard. His voice' wanted toning down,.and his intonation was at fault. Mr Ashcroft had a. voice nice in quality and a nice method of production. He had good expression, particularly in crescendo. Ho showed real warmth and fervour, and gave a particularly oflecti'vo- ending. Mr Lyons had his voice in tho making process. He had some very goorl notes, but did not seem quite sure of his production. Ho should learn to,'.use the mezzo-voce more. The other singers were Mr Pumell (Kaitaugata), 51 marks; Mr George J. Blackio (Dunedin), 83 marks; Mr R. F. Algie (Mosgiel), 83 marks, and Mr William Morton (North-East Valley), 55 marks. The voice of Mr Blackio required developing. Ho had a vory nice conception o? the song: Mr Algtc fell short in delicacy of treatment ami also required to develop tho harp-voce' mezzo-voce. In the ca«> of Mr Morton, his .fame was bad and also his method of nroduction.

PIANOFORTE SUET (amateur, 18 years and-overt. " Valse Caprice.'' First £2 2s, second 10s 6d. - Miss Ailoen Moore and Mr Stanley Brdwning (Dunedin) ... 1 This was the only entry, COMEDIETTA- (amateurs; two or moTo porsons). First £3 3s, second £2'2e. It is arranged that the performances for this competition shall bo scattered over a number of evenings'. Last night's performers were Miss May Bain and Mr Charles Budge, p'.Dunedin, and their selection waa Cynthia's Capture." Tho performers endeavoured to make the most of their openings for amusement in the piece. Tho judge of this competition is Mr J. Hamcr.