Annual Festival in Full Swing

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 130, 23 August 1927, Page 13

Annual Festival in Full Swing

COMPETITIONS OPENED ENTRIES A RECORD Splendid variety was provided at the evening session of the Auckland Competitions last evening, when recalls from the afternoon session were taken at the Concert Chamber. At the commencement of the session the competitions were officially opened by the Hon. George Fowlds, who expressed his pleasure at the excellent prospects of a successful festival that were already apparent. It was pleasing to note that the entries received constituted a New Zealand record, he said. This was particularly pleasing in view of the fact that in 1925, when the competitions were commenced, they received very little support from the general public, and it was hoped that the increased interest now being taken in the fixture would serve as a stimulus. At both sessions excellent variety was available, the evening session in particular providing an excellent entertainment. A very enjoyable class was the first section of the impromptu debate which proved a real source of humour. The results will be announced at the completion of the second section on Wednesday evening. Yesterday’s results are as follow: Song in Character Boys or Girls, 12 to 16 years. David Lunny, Mount Eden, 191 points 1 Adele de Marr, Mount Albert, 184 points 2 Doreen O’Leary, Devonport, 178 points 3 Highly Commended: Sybil Phillips, Herne Bay. Good work had been done in this section, said the judge. The winner had a very good voice, and kept it well under control. Miss de Marr possessed good actions and had a good makeup. Miss O’Leary lacked a little in vim. Humorous Recitation Boys under 16. Kenneth Warburton, Penrose, 78 points 1 Cedric Zahara, Auckland, and Henry Bradley, Mount Eden, 77 points, equal 2 For such a young lad the judge considered the winning recitation was very good. All performances were of a good standard, although in some cases pieces with more humour could have been selected. Operatic Dance Under 9 years. Joy Lodder, Auckland, 73 points .. 1 Peggy Bartrum, Devonport, 72 points 2 Loloma McHattie, Devonport, 70 points 3 This class was productive of good work, the judge said. The toe and arm work was slightly faulty. Toe Dance 12 years and under 15. Cassie Gribble, Mount Eden, 85 points 1 Eva Harris, Auckland, 82 points .. 2 Edna Tullett, Mount Eden, 81 points 3 The judge stated that the class provided some very interesting work. The winner made full use of arm work Miss Harris also giving a spirited performance. Boys’ Song Under 12 years. “Love Was Once a Little Boy.’’ Desmond Casey, Birkdale, 175 points 1 Leonard Barton, Mount Albert, 163 points 2 Bob Porter, Glen Eden, 152 points .. 3 “A good singer with a good style,’’ were the remarks passed by the judge. The performances given by the other placed performers were also good. Shakespearian Dialogue In Character. Misses Audrey Perry and Winifred Crosher, Auckland, 106 points . . 1 Misses Phyllis Mobberley and Elfrieda Hall, Auckland, 101 points 2 The dialogues, said the judge, were excellently done. The winning pair gave a fine dramatic impersonation and a well-balanced characterisation. Operatic Solo Miss Edna Peace, Northcote, 178 points 1 Miss Doris Moore, Mount Eden, 172 points 2 Miss Irene Frost, New Lynn, 160 points 3 The judge was a little disappointed in this class. Operatic numbers were difficult to sing, and to do so effectively singers required to be welladvanced. Bass Solo “I Will Not Grieve” (Schumann). Mr. James Littler, Auckland, 171 points i Mr. W. H. Harvey, Parnell, 150 points 2 Mr. Arthur Cole, Takapuna, 148 points 3 The judge said this class was disappointing. The performers' showed very little training, although the winner’s performance improved as it proceeded. Instrumental Trio 6 Open. Miss Ruby Brame, Miss Marion McMurtrie and Mr. Peter Black, Auckland, 180 points 1 Mrs. K. Ward, Mr. H. Cleve Burr and Mr. B. Davison, Auckland, 157 points .. 2 Miss Reka Paterson, Mr, G. I. Paterson and Mr. E. Kahn, Remuera, 142 points 3 The judge considered that the winning performance was a treat to hear. As a rule performances in this class were not so good. TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME There was a fair attendance at the Concert Chamber and Unity Hall -when to-day’s programme was commenced at half-past nine. This afternoon oratoria solo (mezzosoprano), operatic solo (tenor), oratorio solo (tenor), skipping dance (over 13), dance duo (under 11), and character dance (over 15) will be held. In addition to the recalls, the boys’ song, 12 to 16, will be taken in the evening. To-day’s results are as follow: PIANO SOLO (14 and under 16). (.Scherzo in E minor, Mendelssohn.) Recalled: Miss Phyllis Cato, Miss Marie Darby, and Miss Elaine. VIOLIN SOLO (.under 14). (“Londonderry Air,” O’Connor Morris.) Recalled: Joe Pelham, Norman Kersland, and Arthur Leavins. Highly commended: Olive Harris.