SUCCESS IN SYDNEY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21212, 7 September 1940, Page 13

SUCCESS IN SYDNEY

TWO YOUNG HAMILTONIANS IN MUSIC AND ON STAGE Congratulations to Keith Priscott, of Hamilton, who, as announced during the week, won the baritone championship and the Melba Memorial Trophy at Sydney Eisteddfod. The latter was presented by the late Madame Clara Butt, and was one of the outstanding prizes of the competitions. It had never been won previously by a New Zealander. Mr Priscott, who is just imder 23 years of age, had been prominent in the musical life of Hamilton for several years. A few months ago, after being unsuccessful in an endeavour to get into the air force, he left lor Australia, where his successes in the musical world have been gratifying. In a letter written after winning the baritone championship but before he annexed the Melba Trophy, Mr Priscott said: “It was such a thrill having my ’name announced as the champion baritone. The judge, Dr. Arundel Orchard, said that I showed great artistic interpretation in my singing. Good artistry was essential and I was the fortunate possessor of the gift, plus a true baritone voice of fine quality. So he bears out what you have always said about my singing—you remember?— Painting a picture. “J. C. Williamson, Ltd, are putting on ‘Student Prince’ and ‘Vagabond King.’ I was heard by their producer, who wanted me to join the company with the prospect of a decent part later on. It was a temptation, for I have very pleasant memories of my part as Noel in ‘Vagabond King’ with the Hamilton Operatic Society, but I have decided to keep on with my studies at the Conservatorium. I am to play a leading part m ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ there shortly.

“The Williamson Company is going to New Zealand after Australia, and altogether it will tour for about 18 months. Gladys Moncrieff opens at the Tivoli here soon.” Nerve-Racking but Thrilling Writing after winning the Melba Trophy, Mr Priscott says: “Of course I feel very proud at winning the Melba Trophy (a beautiful thing) from all the men’s vocal sections, comprising over 100 singers. When Jessie Shaw (the Hamilton girl who won the contralto championship last year) and I sat waiting for the judge’s decision the tension was nerve-racking, believe me. “When, at the presentation, they described me as the ‘champion of champions,’ you can imagine how thrilled I was. The judge, Dr. Arundel Orchard, said that my rendition of ‘Where’er You Walk’ was the best he had ever heard. “I was at a musicale at the home of Mr and Mrs Roland Foster yesterday. Raymond Beatty and his wife (Heather Kinnaird) were there, and they were very nice to me and most encouraging.” In memory of Dame Nellie Melba, Australia’s greatest singer, the late Dame Clara Butt presented to the City of Sydney Eisteddfod two magnificent trophies, known as the “Melba Memorial Challenge Trophies,” to be won by the competitors gaining highest marks in the women’s and men’s vocal championship sections and voice and flute obbligato sections in a final competition for the prize-winners thereof respectively. Competitors in the final were required to sing one of the test pieces and one own choice item. Hamilton Girl in Lead Betty Welch, another young Hamiltonian, is winning success on the stage. She received great praise for her work in “Charley’s Aunt” at the Minerva Theatre.

Writing me this week she says: “I am to play ingenue lead opposite Charles Norman in the musical farce, ‘lt’s a Girl.’ We are rehearsing madly every day, and any spare time I have I’m recording, so you can imagine how busy I am. I have an excellent part in this show—a nasty little gold-digger type.

“Lily Moore (sister of the famous Carrie Moore) is playing a fine comedy role. She returned from London about a year ago. “Well I have met one of the most charming women, I’m sure, in the world, Marie Ney. My mother and she were at the Convent together in Wellington, so when she arrived here I wrote her a little note and she asked me to come and see her at the Australia Hotel. So feeling rather awed at this unexpected honour, along I went. But I needn’t have felt nervous, because no one could be more simple and sincere than she. We talked about Wellington and then about the stage. She had been to see ‘Charley’s Aunt’ and she told me I couldn’t have better experience than playing opposite such a clever comedian as Charles Norman. She played in ‘Charley’s Aunt’ in New Zealand years ago. “Marie Ney is opening in Melbourne with ‘Ladies in Retirement’ which deals with elderly women.”