THE COMPETITIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17038, 11 May 1923, Page 9

THE COMPETITIONS.

FIFTH DAY. The Competitions were continued to-rla;. in the Theatre Royal and Choral Hall. The following: are the results:— OPERATIC SOLO. Gentlemen. Own selection. Recalls : Joseph Dyer (Fendaltoni. T. G. Rogers (Pendalton). J. Tennont (St Albans). A. S. Bell (Spreydon). R. Allison (Christ cliur chi. Also coati'eted: —G. Cordner (Christ* church), R. Samson (Christchurch), Roland Smith (Shirley), R. Campbell (Christchurch), C. James (Christchurch), D. Bishop (St Albans), Johnson Mayfield > (Richmond). SOPRANO SOLO. “ The Enchanted Forest.” Recalls: Miss Elsie Ives (Christchurch). Mrs R. Foote (Dunedin). Miss Gladys Crosi (Ricsarton). Also competed :—Misses Els'.e Lord (St Albans). Poulton (Christchurch). May Hounsell (Avonside), Mabel Dudney Christchurch), Dorothy Nelson (St Albans'. SHAKESPEAREAN RECITATION. Ladies. “ Queen on Deposition of Richard ll.* Recalls: Miss Anita Winkel (Dunedin). Miss Phyllis Adams (Wellington). Miss S. I. Aitken <lnvercargill). Also competed:—Misses Mavis Ritchie (Merivale), (liadys Gatnman (Marton', Juanita Manhire (Spreydon). Mavis Halliriay (Wellington), Gladys Tanner (Christchurch), Bertha Cros* (Wellington), -Sadie Jackson (Cashmere), EileeQ Carter (Christchurch), Constance Aldridge (Opawa). SHAKESPEAREAN RECITATION. Gentlemen. From *‘ Romeo and Juliet.” Recalls: Stanley Airth (Wellington). R. A. Turner (Christchurch). A. Johnson (St Al’oaus). Also competed:—W. H. Moses (St Albans), J. Colin Craig (Papanui). SACRED SOLO. Mexzo Soprano. Own selection. Recalls: Miss Lillian Archibald (Beckenhana). Miss Eva Marshall (Oamaru). Miss Eileen Warnock (Wanganui). Also competed:—Misses Irene Sutherland (fit Albans). Constance Harrison (Wellington). Jeseie Ewart Lin wood), Annie Lucas (St Albans), and Mrs G. R. Pollard (Coalgatej.

A SHEAF OF NOTES.

Cue thing that was shown laat night was that there are many people willing co* recite, but few inclined to ruake an original speech. Of court-e, the stipuiu. disconcerting ior those wuo were to make a first appearance in the capacity of u public speaker. impromptu speaking. 01 any speaking for that matter, is to t>e encouraged, hut umortuuateiy there seem to be very few people voiling tc three entries in the impromptu speeca section for gentlemen, and they did mu appear. An appeal was made ior uhuiriot an ’trvVr fertile'' ’ Tti! 1 a restricted subject was probably more suitable for the occasion fhai: another night. The solitary competitor told some a:iue mg tales, and entertained the audience very ercoitub.j. The judge or elocution, stage.‘ and his lift;*- was'*converted into an excellent turn, full of humour. heard was tho song in character, for lady "ere unopposed by the sturdier, hut the standard or -work was mint the less good for that. Miss Anns-. Audihert did the Gipsy Sonsf" from ' Carmen.” and the judge in awarding her :i > murk-, said she was one of the finest Carmen* in had over scon. She was changeful and defiant and the whole efiect ol her rendering was artistic .and stimulating, if she had had a little more 'oice it, would hate been a glorious cfTort. M Olid- Nightingale, Under the Deodar, ' and the effect.* she gamed were certainly pleasing. "To Daisies,” the te*t teuor song, only bet' ei- than oger “' ) "* ® ood deal lias a good tenor voice, and 'knows' howto use it to the best effect. The Scottish 3ong for ladies went to Mi** Stella Goodwin, who sang the tost, " Blue Bells of Scotland exquisitely. The only fault in her singing- is a slight trembling tone as she goes down into the lower register. This is probably due to nervousness. She was third in the English song for contraltos, but it was a very even class, ami there was little bet wen the three who were placed. Miss Nellie Spencer, who won that section, has a rich oontralto with some fins notes. '‘Drink to Me Only” was a wellselected song for her. and she put a great deal of spirit into it. The humorous recitation for ladies was won by Mies S. I. Aitken. who gave n. number which was oertainly humorous, and a good deal better chosen than some other? the section. Mias Aitken is an excellent performer in many ways, hut. there are little fault* which she might well get rid of. They are small things, but Mr Leicester himself paid that it was the small things that made perfect art. The piano duet, (under 1C) was a hright little sections, and moat of the competitors showed considerable promise. Masters Lane and Pohl played a lilting piece. ” Radiant,” in a manner extraordinarily good for performers of tbeir years. Joan Seabrook and Dorothy Liebert- were also very good in their number ‘ Rondeau.”

TO-NIGHT’S CONCERT.

The evening concerts are steadily grow ! ing in popularity, and are now being at- ! tended by large audiences, who heartily i appreciate the clever young performers I There is a splendid programme this eveu- | ing. the recalled competitors appearing I for the following classes: —Ladies' Vocal Solo (New Zealand composer); Men's Recitation ” The Preep (a poem by Allen Davenport); Musical Monologue; Soprano Solo "The Enchanted Forest "; Humorous Character Sketch: and Mezzo Sacred Solo Other classes will be the Violin Solo, under 12; Piano Solo, open class; and a Story Without Words. To-morrow (Saturday) will be Children's Day, and matinee performances will be held in the afternoon, in addition to the usual morning sessions. The children's classes at tfhe Theatre Royal matinee include the following song in character, boy or girl 9 and under 12. own selection, song in character, boy or girl, 12 and under 16. own selection. In each of these classes marks will be awarded for costumes and action, and properties -will be permitted. At the Choral Hall in the afternoon tho classes will be Recitation for boy or girl under 9, in character. Marks will be al-lowed-for costumes and action, and properties will be permitted. The boys’ recitation. 12 and under 16. "Old Grey Squirrel,” will also be beard. Special prices for the Theatre Royal matinee are advertised: Aj splendid programme will he submitted in the Theatre Royal in the evening by the juvenile finalists. Admission will be 3b. 2s. and Is, and the Box Plan is at the Bristol