DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19904, 25 September 1926, Page 10

DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL. The twenty-fifth annual festival of the Dunedin Competitions Society was continued yesterday, when another satisfactory day’s work was got through, everything running smoothly, as usual The day sessions were held in His Majesty’s Theatre, Victoria Hall, and Burns Hall, each of which attracted a fair number of spectators during the day. In the evening His Majesty’s Theatre was packed. No doubt the school choir contest, in which, unfortunately, there was only one competing choir, proved a strong attraction. The judges had a busy time in most of the sections, as the entries were large and the calibre of the competitors pretty even on the whole. Mr Angus Marshall occupied the chair at the evening session. The judges of the national dancing, fancy dancing, and instrumental music desire to meet any competitors interested at any of the sessiqns, with a view to giving them whatever assistance and advice they can. The following are the results MUSIC. Judges: Mr Bernard Page, Wellington (instrumental ), and Mr Sidney Williamson, Christchurch (vocal). PIANO SOLO, 11 and under 12 years—“Valse Mignonne” (C. Chaminade). Miss Mary R. Boult (Dunedin), 78 points 1 Miss Kathleen Farrell (Dunedin), 77 points ... 2 Master W. Blackie (Mosgiel), 75 points 3 Also competed: Miss Sylvia V. Lawrence (Dunedin) 62, Miss Pearl Gray (Roslyn) 61, Miss K. G. D. Davidson (Tainui) 60, Miss Amy M'Connell (Dunedin) 58, Miss Jean L. Harkness (Koslyn) 56, Miss E. A. Wilton (Caversham) 55, Miss Kath Lungley (Musselburgh) 55, Miss C. M. Wilson (Kaikorai) 54, Miss Avis Maxwell (N.E. Valley) 52, Master A. J. Leed6n (Musselburgh) 52, Miss Ruth Reynolds (Musselburgh) 51, Miss Ellen Halliday (Dunedin) 49, Master Horace Adams (Dunedin) 49, Miss Alexes Kay (Dunedin) 49, Miss Hilda Abbott (Roslyn)

47, Miss I. Clarke (St. Leonards) 47. Miss Mary H. Craig (Belleknowes) 46, Miss Mavis Ruston (Dunedin) 46, Miss Pearl Hannan (Dunedin) 42. The Judge (Mr Page) said that Miss Boult showed a great improvement over the morning’s performance. There was more contrast in tone colour and a freer rhythm. With regard to Master Blackie’s performance, his determination to win made his tone rather hard and colourless. Ho played beyond his own physical resources, and this was always a fatal mistake, especially when a competitor like this was rather weak in finger technique. Miss Farrell also showed an improvement upon her performance in the forenoon, especially in tone contrast. She gave a very good interpretation of the waltz, and her rhythm was quite good in spite of all that we heard about mere man last night. Mr Page said that, before leaving the platform, ho would like to give the audience his impressions of the class of competitors that he took in the forenoon.

He thought that if he spoke, about it it would be a help to them and also to the young competitors. Ho heard some 20 young people in what should have been a liappy piece of Chaminade, but they came on and gave their performance as if they were playing a dirge. It seemed to him that tnoir enthusiasm was crushed because they • were burdened with the fact that they had to go on and play before the audience and a judge. Most of them played as if a mistake would have been fatal to the result of their work. Over 75 per cent, of the playing was without fqehng, and at times it seemed as if p.ll feeling and imagination had gone. There was not one who played as if he < r she exercised their imagination. He thought that the reason why the human element was so lacking in their playing was because they were inspired with the idea

that they were appearing before somebody who, instead of being human, was the dragon Fafner, and that they vould be devoured upon the slightest pretext. These children should bo told that they wire to come to the hall, not to give a public performance, but simply to play their best to -the judge, that he was going to hear how they played, and would help them if he could. Instead of coming on as natural, smiling children, they came on with somethink akin to dullness. They walked to the centre of the platform as if they had been fitted up with a special hinge at the small of the back, and later gave a lifeless performance. This was not like children. They were usually happy. If parents would kindly note what he had sa-d they would help him (the judge) greatly, and the children would bo inspired with some confidence, and he would leave their city, with quite a good impression of the performers. VIOLIN SOLO, 13 and under 16 years, “Bolero” (Bohm). Master Warwick North (Dunedin, 78 points 1

Miss Myra Johnstone (Dunedin), 72 points 2 These were the only competitors. Mr Page said that the winner was handicapped with a small tone new fiddle. He gave a very good interpretation. His playing was very clean, and he gave a very good interpretation. As far as the second prize-winner was concerned her tone was very rough in contrast. Her attack was very good. SACRED CONTRALTO SOLO. “Ave Maria” (Percy Kahn). Miss Constance Poole (Clyde), 168 points 1 Miss I, Blackwood (Roslyn), 167 points 2 Miss Eva M.‘ Graham (Caversham), 163 points 3 Also competed: Miss W. M. M'Peak (St. Clair) 159, Miss Cathie Nowson (Clinton) 158, Miss Phyllis Clare (Musselburgh) 157, Mrs Wilson (Mornington) 156, Miss Lilian Gallon (Dunedin) 156, Miss Vanda Duncan (Dunedin) 155, Miss Annie Matheson (Roslyn) 152, Miss Rita Rafiils (Mornington) 152, Miss B. Rawstron (Belleknowes) 151. Mr Williamson said he thought that some of them wore out of their class. The winners sang with devotional spirit, but most of the competitors were inclined to stress “avay” instead of “ave.”

VOCAL SOLO, Operatic, Ladies, Amateurs, or Professionals —Own Selection. Miss Rita Holmes (Dunedin), 177 points 1 Miss Mollie Andrews (Dunedin), 174 points 2 Miss E. M. Graham (Caversham), 172 points 3 Also competed: Miss Rubv Baxter (NorthEast Valley) 167, Mrs J. Marshall (Anderson’s Bay) 165, Miss Ray Stubbs (Anderson’s Bav) 164, Miss W. M. M'Peak (St. Clair) 164, Miss Roma Buss (Dunedin) 160, Miss M. Campbell (Dunedin) 156, Mrs Melser (Dunedin 155, Miss M. I. Belcher (Wharo Flat) 153, Miss Thelma M. Paine (Dunedin) 151 Miss Eva Marshall (Oamaru) 148 Miss Rita Raffils (Mornington) 148. Mr Williamson said he ventured to state that those present had heard work equal to that heard on professional stages. Some difficult solos were sung, and it required not only courage, technique, voice, and musical knowledge to create such performances. He washed to congratulate the w inner. Miss Andrew's s higher notes were out of hand. (Miss Graham was a young singer. The first and second vocalists were more experienced, but if Miss Graham persevered she would have a particularly bright future. VOCAL SOLO, Gentlemen, Open to All—(a) Operatic Air. Own Selection; (b) Ballad, Own Selection. Mr Arnold Perry (Dunedin), 347 points 1 Mr L. E. Dallev (Dunedin), 345 points 2 Mr W. G. Hi'nikcr (St. Clair), 339 points 2 Also competed; Mr W. L. Newbury (Dtne-lin) 337, Mr J. B. Macpherson (Dui edin) 330. The first portion of this item —operatic a j r — W as heard on Wednesday afternoon, and the second part—ballad—yesterday afternoon. The points awarded to the competitors in the operatic air and the 'ballad respectively were as follows: —Mr Perry, 177 and 170; Mr Dailey, 172 and 173; Mr Hilliker, 173 and 166; Mr Newbury, IG7 and 170; Mr Macpherson, 164 and 166. , Mr Williamson stated that Mr Perrys operatic air was a most difficult song. The singer had a strong sense of the dramatic element, but lie was a little bit inclined to hold his voice back in bis throat at times. If he released his tongue and drew it more forward at the point it would improve the throntiness to :i verv great extent. His interpretation was nice, and he gave a very good portrayal of the number. In the ballad lie had some fine opportunities for some beautiful melting phrases, and it would have been better if he had given more effect to this quality. His voice got a little hard at the end. Mr Dailey had a beautiful voice, but he was inclined to force too mucu in the higher notes, and his production became somewhat gusty. In the interpretation he made a sudden break in his rhvthm, which was not wnvanted by the character of the words at that particular place. However, he gave a

very good interpretation. In the ballad he laid rather much stress on sopie of the weaker syllables. He thought the interpretation at the end should have been much more pessimistic and sustained The competitor rather spoiled a good effect by bringing in a diminuendo at the end. Mr Hilliker displayed a tendency to sharpen, which was again noticeable at night. He had a fine bass voice, and gave a very good dramatic interpretation of hia first number. In the ballad, his interpretation was lyrical in character at the opening. . He improved as he went on, but his intonation was still faulty at times.

SACRED BASS SOLO—“Like as the Hart Desireth” (Allitsen). The following were recalled: Mr D. N. Napier (St. Kilda), Mr John M'Naughton (Caversham), Mr J. 0. Clark (Dunedin). Also competed; Mr J. B. Macpherson (Dunedin) 159, Mr W. G. Hilliker (St. Clair) 150. The final will be taken on Wednesday, October 6. SCHOOL CHOIR CONTEST—Two part songs: (a) “Autumn Days” (E. T. Davies); (b) own selection. Kaikorai School, 170 points 1 There were no other competitors. In announcing the result Mr Williamson stated that he was sorry that it was not really a contest, as there was only one entry. The choir gave a very fine performance. The first number it saug was a most difficult piece in two parts, witli several changes of key and time. There was a lot of very fine work to be got out of it, and a lot of difficult intervals and work which required a lot of technique. The performers acquitted themselves exceedingly well, and gave him an agreeable surprise. The tone was very bright. There was a tendency to harden in some of the fortissimo and sforzando effects, and some of the shading effects could have been very much improved upon. The second voice part was very indistinct, and was not well sustained at all. The second number (“The Soldiers’ Chorus”) was Hot nearly so difficult. The choir sang it with a fine swinging rhythm, and taken all round it was a very nice performance. It was, in fact, a better performance than was given with the first number. The attacks and

releases and the articulation were very good. He would like to congratulate the gentleman who conducted the choir, and also the children themselves, on an exceedingly fine performance. VOCAL DUET, operatic, gentlemen, amateurs or professionals —Own selection. Messrs L. E. Dailey (Dunedin) and A. JJ. Lungley (Dunedin). 174 points .. 1 Messrs Rod. Braithwaite (St. Clair) and Douglas Craigie (Mornington), 161 points These were the only competitors. The Judge said that the winners had voices of splendid and they had balance and fine tone, with one or two exceptions when the intonation ot both voices was not true, and the tenor fluctuated somewhat. On the whole it was a very good performance. The voices of Messrs Braithwaite and Craigie did not blend well, and there was a good deal of singing out of tune. The balance between the two- was not well maintained. ELOCUTION. Judge: Mr Claude Hall, Melbourne. READING AT SIGHT, amateurs—Selections in prose and poetry. Miss Elinor Ilorvey (St. Clair, 153 points ••• ••• 1 Miss Mollie Gallagher (Dunedin), 152 points , ••• Miss Madge Yates (Dunedin), 151 points 5 Also competed: Miss H. A. H. Smith (St Clair) 150, Miss Flora Turner (Maori Hil’l) 149, Miss Mercia Hardman (Dunedin) 140, Mr F. C. K. Foster (Dunedin) 136. The judge stated that Miss Hervey read rather rapidly, and raised her eves at times. She interpreted very fairly, but two words were badly pronounced. In the poetry her rhythm was good, but more passion and more pause were needed. Miss Gallagher secured a good pace, but there were some hesitations in her wort, and a few cases of bad pro-

nunoiation. She should have been crisper in the poetry. She did not display enough passion, and was not always rhythmic. Miss Yatca mispronounced some of her words, and displayed some hesitation. Better emphasis was needed at times. She did much better with the poetry, but did not evince sufficient quiet passion. RECITATION, amateurs, gentlemen— From “Marcian Colonia” (B. W. Proctor). Mr Norman West (Dunedin), 79 points 1 Mr Mark Gaston (St. Kilda), 75 points 2 Mr C. R. Smith (Caversham), 74 points 3 Also competed: Mr A. W, C. Gorrie (Dunedin) 73, Mr F. C. K. Foster (Dunedin) 73, Mr D. E. Dali (Dunedin) 73.

The judge (Mr Hall) said the first-prize winner had a good voice, but his emphasis required attention. A finer pausation was necessary. His performance was to some extent spoiled by bis wrong pronunciation of some words. His interpretation was not grand enough. A very fair effort. The second-prize winner spoke his lines very fairly, but although the voice employed was effective the soul of the piece was absent. It was a commendable effort, but the competitor should be sincere in effect. As far as the third competitor was concerned, the voice employed was “breathy.” Ho should get more effect from initial vowels and consonants. He should carry his head more steadily. The interpretation was not great enough. There was much merit in the variety of mood treatment. RECITATION, competitors under 12 years —Own selection, not humorous. The following were recalled: Miss Rona Wood (Dunedin),. Master Duncan Todd (St. Kilda). Miss Anzac Patton Mornington). Also competed: Master Bruce Jones

(Musselburgh) 76, Miss Joan Campbell (Dunedin) 75. Master Jack Mitchell (Mornington) 75, Miss Thelma Rix (Dunedin) 75, Master Ivan Davidson (Dunedin) 75, Miss Billie Robinson (Musselburgh) 75, Miss Nana Newev (Ravensbourne) 75. Master H. Davidson (Dunedin) 74, Miss Ethel Howard (Dunedin) 74, Miss Berta Hannan ham (Dunedin) 74, Miss Pearl Hannan (Dunedin) 73, Miss A. Stevenson _ (Caversham) 73. Master Eon Jeavons (Kew) 73, Miss Marion Loan (St. Clair) 73, Miss Ruby Bullan (Dunedin) 73, Miss Gwen Thompson (Dunedin) 73, Master Thomas Ness (Dunedin) 72, Miss Norma Williams (St. Kilda) 72. Miss Edna Lungley (N.E. Valiev) 72. The final will be decided on Monday, October 4. DANCTNG. Judges: Miss D. Dean, Christchurch fancy)., and Mr D. M'Kechnie, Dunedin (Scotch dancing, hornpipes, etc.). IRISH JIG. girls under 15 years. Miss D. O'Sullivan (Musselburgh), 92 points ••• „ Miss L. Hayden (Dunedin). 91 points 2 Miss Nettie Pullar (St. Kilda), 90 points 3 Also competed: Miss Maisie Scott (Dunedin) 89. Miss Iris Gordon (Dunedin) 88, Mias Olivo Scott (Dunedin) 88. Miss S. Marshall (Opoho) 87. Miss Agnes Kleski (Mosgiel) 86. Miss Jessie Wills (Dunedin) 86, Miss Joyce Smith (Dunedin) 84. Miss Rona Wilson (Dunedin) 83, Miss Jessie M Multan (Dunedin) 82. Miss N. Williams (St. Jvilda) 79 Miss Edna Eincham (Abbotsford) 78, Miss Edna Agnew (Dunedin) 78. Miss Winnie Hooper (Cromwell) 76, Miss G. Gallagher (Dunedin) 76. Miss M. Sutherland (Dunedin) 76. Miss Martha Ross (East Taieri 64, Miss Peggie Cooper (Dunedin) Mr M'Kechnie stated that Miss O Sullivan made a very good opening. Her positions were very fair, but her ground foot was turned in at times. Her department was good and the spirit of the dance was finely shown. It was a very good performance indeed. Miss Hayden’s steps were a little weak in the side steps, but she had a nice free style of dancing. Her interpretation was eood and she crave a fin© performance. Miss Pullar’s positions were weak in the kick-out steps, and she was inclined to race a little. She was a little heavy in places, and her beating was rather light. Altogether her performance was very fair. REEE O’ TULLOCH, girls under 18. The following were recalled .-—Miss Agues Kleski (Mosgiel).Miss Nettie Pullar (St. Kilda). Miss M. Thompson Dunedin), and Miss Loma Budge (N.E. A alley). Also competed: Miss O.ive Scott (Dunedin) 87, Miss Libbie Hayden (Dunedin) £6, Miss Elma E. Coxon (Dunedin) co. Miss D. O'Sullivan (Musselburgh) 85. The final will be decided on Monday, October 4. CLASSIC DANCE, barefoot, under 12

years. Miss Moa a Silver (Ravcnsbournc), 85 points ••• ••• ~ Miss Ethel Todd (Caversham), 84 points 2 Miss Volina Garland (Dunedin). 82 points 5 Also competed. Miss Vonio Gantly (Musselburgh) 83, Miss Lorctto Kay (Dunedin) 82, Miss Klva Pearce (Dunedin) 79, Miss Phvllis Christie (Mornington) 78. Miss pin;,. Robinson (St. Kilda) 73, Miss Joyce Todd (Caversham 73. Miss Cora Duff (Dunedin) 77, Miss Dorothy Judd (St.

Clair) 77, Miss Ruby Hobcroft _ (Dun edin) 77, Miss Anzac Patton (MorningtonJ 77. Miss E. Tattersfield (N.E. Valley) 76, Miss Shirley Ryland (lloslyn). Miss Dean stated that Miss Silver’s balance was not very good, but she showed a very good sense of the performance. Her head work was good. Her arm work was very good and free, and her performur.ee reflected groat credit on her teacher. Miss Todd was a little heavy and stiff in the feet, but she had a very good sense of line and pose. She was a little too jerky in her rhythm, but she showed quite a good sense of the performance. Miss Garland’s posing was good, and she had a good idea of the spirit of the performance. Her feet were a bit unsteady in balance. Her arm movement would have been very nice, but for the fact that she was dancing with a garland. whiVh rather nampered her. What movement she did display was very nice and bright. DANCE DUO, other than dramatic, under 12 years. Misses Olga Ferguson (Dunedin) and Joyce Todd (Cavcrsharn), 95 points ... 1 Misses Marion Davie (Dunedin) and Mona Silver (Ravensbourne), 93 points 2 Misses Mcyrl Gilder (Dunedin) and F.lva Pearce (Dunedin), 92 points ... 3 Also competed: Misses Anzac Patton (Mornington) and Doreen Thomas (Dunedin) 84, Misses Muriel Brown (Dunedin) and Maureen Phillips (Dunedin) 83, Misses Dorothy Judd (St. Clair) and Ruby Hobcraft (Dunedin) 81, Misses Ethel Toqd (Caver-sham) and Cora Duff (Dunedin) 81, Misses Zoe Knight (Dunedin) and Shirley Ryland (Dunedin) 78, Misses Ngaira Lord and Rona Lord (Musselburgh) 78, Misses Orma Ross (Dunedin) and E. Tattersfield (North-East Valley) 77, Misses Loretto Kay (Dunedin) and Vonie Gantly (Musselburgh) 77. .... Miss Dean, in announcing her decision, said the winners had displayed good character work. The “ girl ” had made one or two mistakes, and the balance was at times wobbly; still the pm formanoc was splendid for such young performers. A rather pretty performance had been given by the second pair. The pierretEk work was good, but the pierrott required more head work and characterisation. They both needed sharper footwork in the quick action parts. The third place fillers gave a good performance. The ‘‘girl’s” partner rather hampered her a little, being rather slack in the quick work. SPECIAL PRIZE. The following special prize lias been awarded:— National Mortgage and Agency Company’s prize of £1 Is for the winner of piano solo, 11 and under 12 years —Miss Mary R. Boult, Dunedin. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME. To-night will be the first of the children’s nights, when a delightful juvenile programme will bo presented. The programme is both interesting and varied, and includes piano solos and duets, recitations, child’s action songs, Irish reel, fancy dance, and skipping rope Attractive programmes have been arranged for the day sessions, piano solos and ducts in His Majesty’s Theatre during the morning, national dancing in Burns Hall in the morning and fancy dancing in the afternoon, recitations in Victoria Hall both morning and afternoon, while at the theatre in the afternoon child’s action song, songs for girls, and song for boys will be held. The ’ box plan is open at The Bristol. THE SKIPPING ROPE DANCE. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As the father of one of the competitors in the children’ skipping rope and fancy step dancing event at the Competitions, wilt you allow me space to air a grievance which is by no means an isolated one? In the skipping rope dance for girls under 12 years of age this afterncon, three of the competitors went through their performance without a trip and with no apparent hitch. It could fairly be expected that these would bo re calleil. But that was not the case. Not one of the three was recalled. All who were granted that honour had tripped in the skipping and had also missed time with the music. It seems strange that a competitor can avoid such mistakes as tripping and still be superseded by others who were unable to get though without making such mistakes. I am tempted to wonder what tbs committee thinks of its judges. I was standing at the entrance to Burns Hall yesterday waiting for my little girl when the judge of the fancy step dancing came up io a judge in a different section and asked him to come and help her through her sed/ion. There must be something wrong with the appointment in the children’s dancing section when such a state of affairs exast. It docs not matter much whothei tbs girl wins or loses, but after yearly practising it seems a pity that her wors should be spoilt by careless judging—l am, etc. Disgusted T’arent. [We are informed that the reason why the judge of the skipping rope dance sougut the advice of ths judge in another section was that a doubt had arisen as to whether a particular dance came under the one section or the other. —Ed, O.D.T.]