THE COMPETITIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23591, 30 August 1938, Page 9

THE COMPETITIONS

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN CONTEST FIRST SECTION JUDGED HALF-HOUR ENTERTAINMENT The Gilbert and Sullivan and Light or Comic Opera Contsst was commenced at the afternoon session of the Dunedin Competitions Society’s festival yesterday, the first section of five competitors being judged. Two recalls were announced, Miss Daisy Perry (Christchurch) and Mr Donald Munro (Dunedin), and these two competitors, together with the recalls from to-day’s section, will appear in the final on Thursday. The last group in the Half-hour Entertainment (musical section) was heard last night, and the competition finally judged, me winners being Miss Anita Winkel s pupils, who presented a delightful number, “The Rehearsal.’ Miss Muriel Eagar’s pupils were placed second, and Miss Florence Pacey s pupils third. There were two interesting classes in the instrumental music, the Bach selection contest and the Quick-study class, in which competitors were given two days to learn the piece selected by the judge (Dr C. Edgar Ford) Both competitions were won by Miss Lois Manning, of Dunedin. Mr Roger Howell (Dunedin) was awarded second place in the Bach section, while Mr Peter Cooper, of Christchurch, came second in the quick-study contest The elocution scholarship for boys was won by Master John Caldsr (Dunedin), and the Shakespearian recitation by Miss Alice Clarke (Dunedin). The latter, Mr Bailey stated, produced the best work he had heard so far in the festival. The pronunciation competition, which drew six entries, was won by Mr G. H. Boyes (Dunedin! Results:— VOCAL MUSIC Judge: Dr James Lyon (London). GILBERT AND SULLIVAN AND LIGHT OR COMIC OPERA CONTEST. (a) Selection from Gilbert and Sullivan: (b) selection from light or comic opera. Both own selection. First section. Recalls: Miss Daisy Perry (Christchurch), and Mr Donald Munro (Dunedin). . ~ Also competed: Misses May Allan (Ruapuna), Rita Shnmpton (Dunedin). Mr William Sutherland (Dunedin). HALF-HOUR ENTERTAINMENT. Musical section; 16 years and under. Own selection. Miss. Anita Winkel’s juveniles, VC Eagar’s pupils, 77 points 2 Miss Florence Pacey’s juveniles. 73 points • • • • Also competed: Miss Muriel Eagar’s juveniles. . ~ In the opening chorus of the winning group, the judge said, the seconds maintained the rhythm well. The choruses were good, the words excellent, and the soloists extremely good. The action of the group placed second rather lacked crispness and unanimity, but the tone, although on the small side, was good. All the singing bore witness to experienced training CHILD’S ACTION SONG. Under 12. Own selection. Miss Maureen Keenan (Dunedin). 87 points •• 1 Miss. Alma Johnson (Dunedin), 86 Smith (Dunedin), 85 points •" Highly commended: Misses Marie Briggs (Dunedin) and Irene Anderson (Dunedin). Commended: Misses Patricia Murrav (Dunedin) and Beverley Gibbs (Dunedin), rT „ Also competed: Misses Margaret Hall (Dunedin), June Hey (Dunedin), Maureen Mills (Dunedin), Valmai Gilmour (Dunedin), Joyce Taylor (Dunedin). Flora McDonald (Dunedin), Gloria Foots (Dunedin), Shirley Reeves (Port Chalmers), Betty Stewart (Dunedin) Betty Briggs (Dunedin), June Applegate (Dunedin), Yvonne Finnerty (Dunedin), Valmae Farquharson Dunedin), Ngaire Maxwell (Dunedin) Doris Melser (Dunedin). The judge said that the performances in this class were delightful. The winner was very natural and quite at home on the stage. For one so young she had a very well-developed voice The girl placed second was also very natural and painted her picture in a charming manner. VOCAL TRIO FOR GIRLS. Under 18. : “Piper’s Song” (Rutland Broughton). Misses Noeline Moody. Zelda Os-

borne, and Leone Cornish (Dunedin), 89 points Misses Beryl Baggs, Jean Calder, and Mattie Hall (Dunedin), 87

points .. .. • • • • 2 Misses lona Livingston, Edith Gardiner, and Joy Watson (Dunedin). 84 points 3 In part-singing, Dr Lyon said, it was necessary to attend to balance and blend before anything else, and then to gradations in light and shade. The winners made a happy trio, wellbalanced and excellently blended. Their chording was good, and the light and shade well-controlled. The trio placed second also had excellent blend, and the part-singing was very clever, but they missed the great point of light and shade. VOCAL DUET. Ladies. Own selection. Misses Ethel Thomas and Doris Adcock (Dunedin), 76 points .. 1 Mrs F. J. Gray and Miss Jean McLay (Dunedin), 74 points .. 2 Misses Edna Thompson and A. Clarke (Dunedin), 67 points •• 3 The only competitors INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Judge: Dr C. Edgar Ford (London) PIANO SOLO. Bach selection. Open to all., (a) “ Prelude and Fugue in C. sharp major”: (b) “Gavotte m G major.” Miss Lois Manning (Dunedin). 88 points l Mr Roger Howell (Dunedin), 79

points Miss Vona Crane (Waitahuna), 74 points

The only competitors. Commenting on the section, Dr Ford said that Bach had one of the greatest minds of its kind the world had ever known. All his work was beautifully finished and of a wonderful texture, being almost mathematical. The prelude and fugue chosen in the competition was possibly the most difficult of the 48 written. The winner had a very facile technique, but at the evening performance she appeared to be more mechanical than in the afternoon. The competitor placed second had clear and crisp finger work, but he appeared nervous, and his left hand was inclined to drag

QUICK STUDY. Open to all. Competitors allowed two days to learn the niece selected by the adjudicator. Miss Lois Manning (Dunedin). 89 points 1 Mr Peter Cooper (Christchurch). 88 points 2 Miss Audrey Kirk (Dunedin) 83 points 3

Also competed: Misses Nellie Pickett (Palmerston), Sylvia Lawrence (Dunedin). Patricia Johnson (Dunedin). Joy Robertson (Tapanui), Joan Stewart (St. Leonards) Joan Benton (Dunedin) Kathleen Bell (Dunedin) Marian Jeffrey (Dunedin), Messrs William R. Clarke (Dunedin). John Ellis (Carey’s Bay). Rai McNicol (Dunedin)

“Only one of the competitors (the winner) played this piece from memory,” Dr Ford said. “ It was a rather formidable work to prepare, but it is usual to play it from memory and I was allowed to allot up to 10 marks extra for this.” Some of the work had been extraordinarily good The winner’s technique had been crisp and the rhythm excellent, and as she played from memory he felt justified in awarding her first place. The com-

petitor who gained second place gave a rhythmic performance and would be an excellent pianist, but it was unfortunate he did not play from memory. ELOCUTION Judge: Mr J. W. Bailey (Auckland). SCHOLARSHIP FOR BOYS. Twelve and under 16. (a) Test selection, “Andre’s Ride” (Arthur Beesley). (b) Own selection. Master John Calder (Dunedin). 167 points ■ • • • •: 1 Master Owen Hymen (Gore). 164 points ...•••• Master John Robb (Christchurch). 163 points Also competed; Master Alan Hey (Dunedin), Thomas Reynolds (Tomahawk), Bernard Larsen (Dunedin). The three recalls in this section were all uniformly good, the judge said, the three boys giving very spirited performances. The elocution generallv was good.

RECITATION. Shakesperian. Sixteen and under 21. Own selection.

Miss Alice Clarke (Dunedin). 87

points ■ Miss Billie Loan (Dunedin). 80

points •••• aa Miss Peggy Griffiths (Dunedin) <9

points Highly commended: Miss Marjorie McTaggart (Dunedin) and Mr bergus Still (Dunedin). „ „ nc Also competed: Muses Beryl Baggs (Dunedin). Dorothy Shah (Christchurch). Margaret .Scurr (Dunedin). Ivy Smith (Dunedin), Edith Lunam (Dunedin). Doreen Stuart (Dunedin), lona Livingston (Dunedin), Joan Masters (Christchurch). Elsie Kirkham (Dunedin), Mr J B. McNeill (Christchurch). . ... The class generally was good, Mr Bailey said, but some of the competitors were young and could not. get the breadth of treatment. The Elizabethan style was lacking, being too modern in conception. The winner, however had produced the best work he had heard so far at the festival. Her pausation and understanding of dramatic values were excellent and her characterisation was true._ ine competitor placed second was inclined to work to the full extent of her capabilities all the time and left nothing in reserve, her performance thus lac - ing variety of tone. PRONUNCIATION COMPETITION. Sixteen and over. Competitors to read aloud a number of selected words; Oxford Dictionary accepted as the standard. Mr G. H. Boyes (Dunedin) .. .. 1 Miss Helen McGregor (Dunedin) and Mr Fergus Still (Dunedin),

equal Also competed: Misses Joan Masters (Christchurch), Dorothy Shah (Christchurch) and Beryl Baggs (Dunedin). The winner made four mistakes m pronunciation, and the competitors placed second six mistakes. RECITATION. Boys 9 and under 12. Own selection (humorous). Master Ewen Cole (Dunedin). 79

Master Wc Elwood (Christchurch), 78 points z Highly commended: Master Alan Mclntosh (Dunedin), The only competitors. RECITAL WITH ACCOMPANIMENT. 12 and under 16. Own selection. Miss Leone Cornish (Dunedin), 101 points ■ • 1 Master John Robb (Christchurch), 98 points •• ■■ 2 Miss Mary Grant (Dunedin), 97 points * RECITATION. Ladies. “ The Fool ” (Henry Baerlein). Recalls: Misses Margery Fitzgerald (Invercargill), Alice Clarke (Dunedin). Third place: Miss Bridie Fraher (Dunedin), . Highly commended: Misses Edith Lunam (Dunedin) and Peggy Griffiths (Dunedin). Also competed. Misses Coila Bell (Dunedin), Doreen Stuart (Dunedin). Beryl Baggs (Dunedin), Billie Loan (Dunedin). lona Livingston (Dunedin), Joan Masters (Christchurch), Elsie Kirkham (Dunedin). Koa Mundie (Dunedin). Rita Reid (Dunedin). DANCING Judge: Miss Gwen Gibbs (Palmerston North) DEMI-CHARACTER DANCE. 13 and under 16. Miss Gwen Cox (Concord). 76 points I Miss Sheila Calder (Dunedin). 73 points 2 Miss Joan Walsh (Dunedin). 72 points 3 Highly commended: Misses June Pringle (Dunedin). Joyce Rowley (Dunedin). Also competed: Miss Joy Asquith (Dunedin). DANCE DUO, other than dramatic. Under 12. Miss Olga Rowlands and Master Billy Mason (Dunedin). 81 points 1 Misses Gwen Wilson and Joan Kean (Dunedin), 78 points 2 Misses Shirley Flaus and Ngaire Holland (Invercargill), 74 points 3 Dance duos were always interesting presentations, the judge said. The winners were delightful. Their team work was good, and the dance they chose was very suitable for their age. The pair placed second did a dance that was not quite in the best of taste, but their age saved them: they had a good sense of comedv. BALLET DANCE, Operatic, other than toe. Under 10. Miss Beverley Wix (Dunedin). 75 points .. .. 1 Miss Valerie Brown (Dunedin). 74 points 2 Miss Ngaire Holland (Invercargill), 73 points 3 Highly commended; Misses Maureen Keenan (Dunedin), Joan Kean (Dunedin), Netta Leader (Dunedin). Olga Rowlands (Dunedin). Also competed: Misses Lorraine Jamieson (Dunedin), Margaret Snow (Mosgiel), Philippa Young (Dunedin) Delia Higgins (Dunedin), Alma Johnson (Dunedin). Nancye Butler (Dunedin), Doreen Reid (Dunedin), Lorraine Stewart (Dunedin), Lesley Reid (Dunedin), Patricia O’Callaghan (Dun edin), Annette Boyd (Dunedin) Lorna Reid (Dunedin), Betty Fletcher (Dunedin). Lona Agnew (Dunedin), Lois Pope (Dunedin). Patricia Hesse (Dunedin).

Considering the age ot the performers, there had been some very good performances, Miss Gibbs said. The youngsters were the dancers ot the future, and foundation was most important. She saw some very careful work, and the competitors recalled were charming. The winner showed a good interpretative sense and danced with feeling. , , CHARACTER DANCE Not to include ballet or Greek. Sixteen and over. Miss Yvonne O’Neill (Dunedin). 74 points 1 The only competitor SPECIAL PRIZES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The following special prizes and scholarships have been awarded so far:— Silver Challenge Shield, valued at 25gns, presented by Charles Begg and Co., for competitor gaining highest aggregate marks in solo singing—Mrs N E Glass (Oamaru). Messrs Coulls, Somerville. Wilkie. Lid.. Scholarship, valued at £6 6s (one year’s tuition), for winner of piano solo contest. 16 and under 18 —Miss Kathleen Allan (Dunedin). Shield for secondary girls’ school choir—St. Philomena’s College. Messrs Charles Begg and Co.’s Scholarship, valued at £6 6s. to winner of piano solo contest. 14 and under 16— Master Gavin Bartlell (Dunedin) Messrs Charles Begg and Co.’s Scholarship, valued at £6 6s. for competitor securing highest aggiegate in ladies' vocal scholarship contest —Miss Daisy Perry (Christchurch > Scholarship valued at £6 6s, for competitor gaining highest aggregate in men’s vocal scholarship contest —Mr G. C. M. Angus (Dunedin). Juvenile Elocution Championship medal (boys)—Mastei Bernard Larsen (Dunedin).

Miss Ethel Wallaces gold medal for highest marks in violin sections—Miss Joan Gardiner (Dunedin). Mr E. T. Moller’s Shield for winners of verse-speaking choir contest (14 and under 18 years)—Dunedin Academy.

Mrs E. T. Moller’s cup for winners of verse-speaking choir contest (under 14 years)—St. Philomena’s College.

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES

One of the best programmes of the season will be presented this evening, commencing with Piano Concerto Contest, which should prove a most interesting item to music-lovers. Recalls from the Grand Opera Aria and Gilbert and Sullivan Contests, Children's Chorus, Elocution Scholarship for Girls. Piano and Vocal Solos. This afternoon the second section of the Gilbert and Sullivan Contest and the first section of the Grand Opera Aria will be held at His Majesty’s Theatre, and on Thursday evening the finalists in both classes will appear Other items that evening will be the 20 to 30-minute play, the prize-winning Choir in the Firms’ Choir Contest, and a special ballet by Miss Lily Stevens’s pupils.