" KING OLAF " The Catholic Choir and Orchestra's Performance

Cardinal Hinsley heard with evident enjoyment the concert given in the Cathedral Hall by the London Catholic Choir and Orchestra. The work performed was Elgar's King Olaf, a saga, set to the poetry of Longfellow and Acworth. The soloists were Blanche Allen, soprano; John McKenna, tenor; and Vere Laurie, bass.
The most notable thing about the performance was the singing of the choir, which in vigour, precision of attack, and exact intonation betters many larger and more experienced bodies.
String parts of considerable difficulty proved at times an obstacle to the orchestra, but the clear conducting of Robert Hasberry, and Una Dillon's expertness at the piano, held them together; and brass and percussion helped to make a solid support for the choir. All the soloists distinguished themselves, but especially Blanche Allen, who entered wholeheartedly into the dramatic spirit of her parts.
In spite of the satisfying quality of the performance as a whole, perhaps it would be better, another time, to choose a work which is not such a tax on an amateur orchestra.
Fr. C. C. Martindale, S.J., who takes part every year in the procession of the relic of St. Philomena from the shrine in St. Luke's, Pinner, was among the guests at the first annual parochial dinner and dance. Mr. Michael Beery, the jockey, Mrs. Beery, and Mr. Joe Coyle, the widelyknown actor. were others present at the function, which was held at the Headstone Hotel, North Harrow.
Mr. T. Leyland, J.P., organising secretary of the Catholic Social Guild, lectured at Luton last week under the auspices of the Guild's local branch. The Rev. G. E. Dalby presided over a large attendance. Mr. Leyland traced the growth of Communism from its inception and outlined means by which Catholics could equip themselves to oppose the spread of Communist teaching. At the close of his address he received and answered many questions.