Article: Obituary : Gwen Catley

Gwen Catley, a high soprano with quite exceptional facility for coloratura, was for 20 years a great public favourite. She sang in opera, on the concert platform, in revue, on radio and television; she made countless records of songs and arias, and appeared in two films, giving a great many people a great deal of pleasure. Her voice was small, but crystal clear and firmly projected, while its legendary agility was balanced by style, delicacy and excellent English diction. She was a fine musician.

She was born Gwendoline Florence Catley in 1906, in London, and privately educated. She studied at the Guildhall School of Music at the time when Sir Landon Ronald was its Principal; her chief ...