DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19282, 20 September 1924, Page 11

DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS.

ANNUAL .FESTIVAL.

The twenty-third annual festival of tho Dunedin Competitions’ Society was continued yesterday. His Majesty’s Theatre tho Victoria Hall, and tho Burns Hall were engaged during the day, and the competitors who wore recalled in the various events took part in the finals in His Majesty s Theatre in the evening. There was a satisfactory attendance in tho day time, and in the evening almost the whole of tho seating accommodation in tho theatre waa taken Up. Tho recitation for competitors 17 years and under attracted no fewer than 47 entries, and 44 juveniles faced the judge, who had a task which occupied her both in the morning and tho afternoon. On the whole tho standard attained in this item was Very good, as many as 17 of tho competitors being awarded more than 80 per cent, of the possible number of marks. Tho Chairman for the evening was Mr J. EL Walker. Mr E. Bennett North (Sydney) was tho judge of the instrumental and vocal music, Madame Bennett North (Sydney) of the elocution section. Miss Iris Montgomery (Christchurch) of the fancy dancing, and Mr A. Sutherland of the Scotch: dancing, hornpipes, eto. The following are the reentlta: —• MUSIC. PIANO SOLO, 10 and under 11 years, “Andantino in B Flat” (Schytte). Miss K. Wilkinson (Roslyn), 96 point* 1 Master S. Henderson (Maori Hill), 95 ... 2 blaster Peter Wildey (Momington), 92 3 Highly commended; Miss H. L. Hannan [Dunedin) 90, Miss E. M. GiMiea (NorthEast Valley) 90. Also competed: MiSs Luella Hamer (Kaikorai) 37, Master Kenneth Rigby (NorthEast Valley) 87, Master Harry Geddas (Dunedin) 87, Master Robert Pratt (Musselburgh) 87, Mias M. Elilifl (Musselburgh) 86, Miss D. M‘Curdy (St. Kilda) 83, Miss Enid G. Siramondg (Dunedin) 83, Master J. L. Colgrave (Maori Hill) 63. The Judge stated that the winner showed good pace. She had a pretty touch, and paid good attention to nuances and staooatbs. She hfid a nice lilt and dainty expression. A, nice mood was treated and maintained throughout. Her final performance was well controlled and tasteful. A good full Brno waa produced when required. Master Henderson maintained a nice pace, and had a pretty touch, a musical tone, and a good [jit. Tho staccatos were well realised. There Were some dainty touches and good expression, the performance,being well controlled throughout Master Wildey had a pretty touch and a musical tone, hut his pace was a shade fast. He showed some _ dainty Expression and there was a good lilt, in the final there were one Or two wrong notes, but the performance was well controlled. SACRED MEZZO-SOPRANO SOLO, “Give Thanks and Sing,’’ key D (Harris). Miss Florence Sumner, 87 1 Miss M. Nelson (Christchurch), G 6 4 Miss Doris Wheeler, 83 ... ••• ••• ® Highly commended; Miss Olivo Bennett (Palmerston) 81. Also competed: Mrs A E. Parkinson (Musselburgh) 77, Miss Mnllio Andrews (St. Clair) 76, Mrs B. G. Gibson (Musselburgh) 76, Miss Mao Matheson (Dunedin) 16, Mias C. M. Brokenshir© (Invercargill) 75, Miss Molly Butler (South Dunedin) 75, Miss Rita Holmes (Dunedin) 73, Mrs A. M’Oqll (Dunedin) 72, Miss Eva Joyce (St. Kilda) 71, Miss D. Ledgerwood (Dunedin) 70j Miss Reatha Lindsay (Roslyn) 70. The Judge said that in the case of the Erst prize winner tho pace was a shade slow. A good voice of warm quality; intonation satisfactory; some good word colour; smooth attack and good mood created and maintained, and tasteful and well controlled. The second prize winner has a voice of pleasing quality j a little pinched in the upper register. The expression was logical, with fair control and nice word stress here and there. Well-ordered expansions; good climax, and well controlled on the whole; a sincere singer. The third prize taken has a good voice, not evenly produced yet. Intonation fairly good, with careful enunciation. Intelligent phrasing. Some warmth and fervour of expression, and good sense of climax. A sincere singer, with an emotional appeal, and with good control. CHIEF PIANO SOLO; “Variations in O minor*’ (Beethoven). MiV Leonard S. James, 99 Miss Marjorie Watts, 93 -- ... 2 Miss Vona Story, 95 - 3 Tho only competitors. The Judge, in his comments, said the first prize winner’s tone was generally musical in variation 9 he went wrong in the bass. He also lost control in variation. 11 iri the left hand. In variation 14 ho was not fluetot in the right hand. The triplet bass was not clear in variation 16. Indecision in pedal, as a rule. Variation 21 was not particularly good. Variation 25 was started a. little loud. . The pedalling was not good in variation 29. The last two pages were excellently done, and he got a cumulative effect cleverly. Ho has musical taste anil, temperament. The second prize winner has a good, crisp touch, and gets a rich toad at times. Variation 9 was well done. She has considerable fluency and dexterity, and well-ordered expansions.. Said has facile technique. The left hand was not clear in variation 16. She is always discreet in the use of tho pedaL In variation 21 she lost a little control. In variation 23 Slid started a little too loud. Variation 29 was a little ragged. The left hand was not clear in the early part of variation 32. A wonderful feat of memory. Tho third prize-winner had plenty of personality and temperament. She lost m several variations. VOCAL DUET (Ladies) “Bella of Gofid,” keys F aid G (Roe). Misses Grade Knowles and Hazel KnoWles (Duriediil), 87 points 1 Misses O. M’Curdy and D. M’Dordy (Caversham), and Mieses L, Stevens and S. Mitchell (Dunedin), 83 points 2 Highly bommendod: blisses M. Gillions and A Burt (Dunedin), 80. Also competed: Mcsdaraos B. G.. Gibson (Musselburgh) aid M. Keisdol (St, Clair) 72. The Judge stated that tho pace of tho winners was a shade alow. There was a good blend and cohesion, hut the facial expression could be better. There was some nice word stress and ruhato treatment. The phrasing waa good, and the enunciation improved in both voices as the piece progressed. Altogether it was an enjoyable rendering, but the piece required a little more animation. The Misses M"Ourdy had good voices, and there was a fair blend, but tho alto should assert herself a little more. There was animation and sparkle in the rendering. ’ Tho intonation Was good, and there was good cohesion and sympathy. The enunciation of both was good, and there was some warmth of expression. In the final the alto did not keep her tone as musical as she should, henco the cohesion Suffered a little. Misses Stevens and Mitchell had good voices, which blohdod well except once or twice. There was splendid cohesion and Syiiipdthy, and the intonation was good. There was some warmth of expression, and a good lilt and rhythm throughout This couple gave an enjoyable rendering. SCOTCH BONG, amateurs, gentlemen, own selection. Mr Arthur J. Lungloy, 89 points 1 Mr A. L. Burk (“Loch Lomond”), 88 2 Mr D. C. Colville (“Tho Border Ballad”) 82 3 Highly commended: Mr Gavin S. Nicol (Kalkorai) 81. Also competed: Mr D. M'Nell (Musselburgh) 78, Mr John S. Anderson (Dunedin) 77, Mr John W. Rodger (Kalkorai) 76, Mr Jafi. Ferguson (St. Kilda) 7-1, Mr Stanlej' Jackson (Dunedin) 74, Blr A. R. Wilson (Dunedin) 73, Mr J. Denford (Caversham) 73, Mr J, M’Naughton (Caversham) 72. The Judge said that in the case of tho first prize-winner he had a voice of warm quality, with good lilt and enunciation. He

bnd considerable dramatic gens*. Hhs phrasing was intelligent, and he had good sympathy and expression. Ha was fervent and virile when required. The second prize-taker had a good voices. He creates a good mood and keeps it. He has splendid enunciation, which is well controlled throughout. The competitor who gained third lias a good light voice, but requires a little more resonance. He has a splendid lilt and fair enunciation. His consonants need Strengthening. He is Just n little lacking in dramatic expression. He was well controlled throughout. ELOCUTION. RECITATION, 17 years and under, own selection, not humorous. Miss Madge Tates (Dunedin) 89 points and Miss N. Aberhethy (DUhedin) 88 points 1 Master Lester Holier (Dunedin) and Miss Maneyo Do we (Dunedin) 87 points 2 Also competed; Miss M. Andrews (St. Clair) 85, Miss Nauna Newey (Rcveiisbourne) 84, Miss Hilda Scurr (Dunedin) 84, Miss Peggy Toms (St. Hilda.) S 3, Miss Dessa Stabb (Dunedin) 82, Master E. D. Farrant (Dunedin) 81, Miss Roberta Williams (Dunedin) 81, Master j. Stevens (St. Kilda) 81, Miss G. Hannah (Mornington) 80, Master H. Miles (Kensington) 80, Miss ISiihor Hervey (St. Clair) SO. Miss R. Oriowslu (St. Kilda) 80, Miss Molly Murrow (Dunedin) SO, Mies May Howard (Dunedin) 79, Miss G. Murray (South Dunedin.) 79, Miss Mattie Edgar (Dunedin) 79, Miss M. Randle (Maori Hill) 79, Miss Jean Pickard (Dunedin) 79, Miss P. Petersen (St. Kilda) 79, Miss E. Chapman-Gohen (Dunedin) 78, Miss Marie Hall (Dunedin) 76, Master M. H. Gaston (South Dunedin) 75, Miss V. Mackenzie (Dunedin) 75, Miss D. M’Carthy (North-East Valley) 75, Miss B. Robinson (Dunedin) 74, Miss J. Sime (Dunedin) 74, Miss Madge Martin (Dunedin) 74, Miss V. Fullerton (Dunedin) 74, Miss V. Knights (Dunedin) 74, Miss B. Borehain (Dunedin) 73, Miss O. H. Johnston (MusSelbUrgh) 73, Miss Edna Frew (Mosgiel) 73, Miss L. Wahrllch (Dunedin) 73, Miss J. Williamson (Dunedin) 73, Miss Moira O’Neill (Mosgiel) 72, Miss Elma Coxott (Dunedin) 72, Miss Lulu M‘Leod (Mosgiel) 71, Master P. Boreham (Dunedin) 7i, Master D. Robertson (DUnediti) 71, Master A Shirley (Dtmedin) 69, Master B. Fullerton (Dunedin) 68. The Judge staled that this was an. excellent competition. Owing to tbo large, number of competitors it had been decided to divide into two sections, and to award two first and two second prizes. The recalls at the morn mg session were Miss Madge Yates and Master Lester Moller, and she had to decide between these two. She hid placed the former first and the latter second. Miss Yates should realise that the first five lines served as.au introduction to the recitation, and should be taken quietly. She had a veiy gobd voice, and was very resourceful. Her charactorisatiod was good, and With the exception of the introduction the narraiivo was well done; She was a temperamental girl, and was rather inclined,to overdo things in the afternoon,, but she did splendidly at nif ht Master Moller had a vhty good voice, arid his modulation was good. The emphasis was Well done, and his facial expression always meant something. His expression was Very sincere, and his general deportment was mannerly. Miss Abornothy had a good voice, well modulated, and her characterisation was good. The expression Was Well done and the delivery was careful. Miss LOW hid a very good voice, which Was well used. Her enunciation was good arid her expression sincere. DANCING. HIGHLAND FLING, Boys, 10 and under 15 years. Alex. Sinclair (Dunedin), 74 points ... 1 Ronald Scritt,(Dunedin), 70 points 2 L. Oreaney (Rovonsbourne), 69 points ... 3 Highly commended: Erio Gordon (Mosgiel) 69. Also corripeted: H. M. Wilson (Dunedin) 67, Joe Fox (Dunedin) 56, P. Lockhart (Caversham) 66, Robert W. Wright (Dunedin) 66. The Judge said he had had a rather interesting section, in which some very nice dances took part. Some of the competitors were . too nervous to do themselves justice. The winner’s position was very fair, rind his batik steps were good. His action was very fair, but he did not balance too Well towards the finish. He had the makings of a very good dancer; Master Scott kept his toes’ a little straight, but his cutting Was good, and ho pointed very nicely. He was slightly inclined to wander about, and ho looked down a lot at the evening performance. Master _ Groaney turned his toes in too much, but his cutting was fair. His back steps were good, aha his pointing was very nice. His deportment was very good, but ho was inclined to look down in the evening. DANCE DUO, other than dramatic, 16 years and over. Miss Iris Griffiths (Oaveraham) and Mr Brace Warden (Dunedin), 87 points, ..., 1 Miss Olivo Btitlrir (St. Clair) arid Mist Gwen Webster (South Dunedin), 86 .points ••• ••• 2 Miss Irving M'Gregor and Misa Vera Rii (Diihedih), 82 points 3 Also competed: Misses Doreen M’Beath and Ada Phillips (Dunedin), 77; Misses Gwoh Hardman and Leila Jeffs (Dunedin), 75; Misses Lynda Colder and Etta Lang (Duriediri), 74. The Judge stated that of the winners the girl, was good on points and the man lifted very well indeed. The girl’s hands wore inclined to be “sticky,” but her expression was very pleasing. The man s entrance was rather uninteresting, and his stops were rather more those which should bo done by the girl They were a very promising couple, with considerable technical ability. The final stop on the floor of tire couple placed second was not quite quick enough. The pirouettes were only fair m the afternoon, but they Were much better in the criming. The interpretation was quite good hut there was perhaps not enough fire. There was a mistake in the arrangement, which spoiled the movement. Misses M‘Gregor and Rix were very light on thoir feet, but the arm movements were a little “sticky.” They wore not quite together always, but it Was a difficult bit of timing well tribd. They were much better in this respect jn the evening. There was too mucli repetition, and the performers did not quite get the idea required for this type of dance. IRISH HORNPIPE, girls, under 18 years. Miss May Thompson, 80 Miss E. Johnston. 78 2 Miss Lily Fox, 77 - 3 Highly commended : Lorna Budge (Opoho) 73, Mavis Burgoyne (Timaru) 73. Alto competed: Mabel Sinclair (Timarn) 72, Rbona. Beale (Mosgiel) 68, Jean Irvine (Christchurch) 63, Lulu Walsh (South Dunedin) 64, Ethel Sinclair (Dunedin) 64. The Judge said that, generally speaking, the performances wore good. The deportment of the ftest prize-winner was good. The second prize-winner in'proved in the evening, and gained two additional marks. The third prike-taker gave quite a good performance, and his time was better in the evening than in the afternoon. SWORD DANCE, boys imdcr 12 years. Master L. D. M“Gregor (Mosgiel), 69 ... 1 Mastet Ronald Scott, 68 2 Matter H. M. Wilson, 67 ... 3 Also competed: Robert W. Wright (Dunedin) 64, A. Raynor (St. Kilda) 60, Joe Fox (Dunedin), I* Groaney (Ravcneboiirne). The Judge (Mr A. Sutherland) said the competitor who gained first prize turned out his toes rather much. His action and deportment were very fair. The second prize-taker made a very fair He turned in his left foot rather much at times. He did mVich better in the evening and gained two additional marks. With regard to the third prize-taker ho lost bus balance a little at the evening performance, which lost him a point or two. SPECIAL PRIZES. The following special prizes have been awarded up to The present:— Messrs C. Begg and Company’s scholarship, valued at £l2 12s, ior the winner of piano solo, 14 and under 16 years, being one year’s tuition with an Otago teacher — Miss Clarice Colbert (North-East Valley). Mr J. A. Park’s prize of £1 Is for the winner of Shakespearean recitation (ladies) —Mias Anita Winkel (Dunedin). National Mortgage and Agency Company’s prize of £l Is for the winner of piano solo” 12 and under 14 years—Miss Emily Rigby (North-East Valley). Messrs Paterson and Barr’s prize of £1 Is for the winner of piano duet, 11 and under 14 years —Misses G. Hannah and Minnie Robson (Mornington).

TO-DAT’S PROGRAMME. Attractive programmes have been arranged for all sessions of the Dunedin Competitions to-day, being entirely composed of children’s items. At His Majesty’s Theatre this afternoon the programme will include the following;—Song, “When the' Sun Shines on the Rood’’; children’s action song, in character; duet, in character; and a fancy dance in character. These items should maho a most attractive afternoon’s entertainment. _ , To-night's programme will bo very interesting, as it includes the recalls from the day sessions.