Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-07-31

tercst at home, where majority OF
the younger generation who aspire
10 serious vocal study have their
eyes on Italy as their goal. The
sweeping changes that appear inlmi~
nent III the Italian musical situation
are of more than passing interest
throughout America, for it must be
remembered that Italy furnishes our
great clinical laboratory for song
stefs.'
X ~
THE newest wrinkle in the idea Of
u a grand opera prima donna 60.
ing into the cosmetic trade has just
been announced from headquarters
in Paris, France, where Nine. Gamma
Walska, wife Of the Chicago mil
lionaire, Harold Mccormick, and a
persistent seeker for operate laurels,
has opened a beauty shop in the
Rue de la Paix. The above-men.
toned newest wrinkle lies in the fact
that Nine. Walska's associate in this
undertaking is Dr.. Serge Voronoff
of monkey gland fame. 1t is re-
ported in the dispatch received that
not only creams and powders will
be sold, but surgical work will
be included. in which noses will be
Strengthened. skin lifted and other
rejuvenations made possible for
those who may seek them.
Nine. Wa1ska also will continue
her musical career, however, setting
forth almost Immediately for a tour
in southern France.
X II
An ambitious and energetic local
"A singer. Julia Culbreth Gray, has
recently been given an opportunity
in field that is new to her, and she
seems to be making good, consider
ing the response of the audiences at
large last week to her efforts. Mrs.
Gray, a contralto, who is we'll known
here in church music work and for
costume and character song recitals,
in cooperation with Mr.. Robbins of
Keith's Theater, appeared on the
regular bill last week in group OF
Southern Melodies" Mrs. Gray
seems to have a fair for this type of
song. and her voice is strong and her
enunciation clear and distinct. She
appeared on the stage in charming
frock of "ante- bellum" hoop-skirt
design, made of white taffeta,
sprinkled in the good old-fashioned
way with yellow rosebuds and re-
vealing coy glimpses in its generous
swings Of many-ruff1ed pantalettes
beneath its wide brim. She sang
several spirituals, including num-
Der by local composer, Wellington
Adams. Her star number, however,
seemed to be the Interpretation OF
very old dialect version of that bibli-
cal subject, adam and Eve in the
Garden Of Eden" which she does
with individuality and authority.
THE vogue for music contests
L seems still on the increase. Also
the idea of festivals where festivals
have never bloomed before. IS bios
soming in new territory. Canada,
northern sister Of the United States,
possessing many attractions that are
unique and others that formerly cx-
listed in this country, But are now.
legally historic, sends much .informa-
ton along both lines of prizes and
festivals.
From Quebec comes the follow
ing:
The remarkable success of the
folksong festival recently held here
at the Chateau Frontenac has caused
E. w. Beatty. chairman and >presi-
dent of the Canadian Pacific Rail
way, to offer $1,000 in prizes for the
best musical compositions based on
French Canadian folk melodies or
chansons populaires that are submit
ted up to December IS, 1927. "A de-
tailed official announcement, Just is
sued, indicates that the contest is
open to all nations, except for two
prizes aggregating $500. which are
confined to Canadian composers. The
flye prizes are to be awarded as fol-
lows:
Isl 900 for suite or tone poem based
orchestra. not to exceed 25 instruments. and
not to laAt longer than 80 minutes. ...
81 3o a but s divided Into $3.50 and
populaires; the $3.50 to be divided into $500
s .Ssd music and s25o for iilrgstto, aud the
and 500 for iibretto.
$500 for a suite based on French
Canadian folk melodies. for string quartet
not 70 last over 20 minutes. ~
$3.50 for a group Of arrangements of
four French. Canadian chansons populaires
for male voices.
four t9 St Of
for mixed voices.
The last two prizes (Nos. and s.
are confined to Canadian composers;
the others are open to international
competition. The works submitted
must be original compositions and
must not have been previously pub
lishcd or performed. Further details
can be had from the secretary, Cana
dian Folksohg Festival, room 324,
Windsor Station, Canadian Pacific
Railway, Montreal.
From Banff, Alberta, a statement
announces: With hundred medals
OF gold, silver and bronze offered for
supremacy in. singing. dancing, games
in the Canadian west are looking for
ward with keen interest to the High
land gathering and Scottish music
festival, which is being organized for
the first week in September at Banff,
and to which the Prince of Wales
has given his patronage. Although
there have been highly successful
Scottish games held in various parts
of Canada, these have been mostly
of local interest and lasting a single
day, but the Banff gathering is
planned to last three days and will
have national character. Each Of
the II Highland regiments in Canada
has been authorized to send piper
to compete for the trophy for regi-
mental piping offered by E. w. Beat
| ~, president OF the Canadian Pacih~
Railway. The rules for this compe-