THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams
The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

Feb 5 [1940]

Dear Janet
I can now definitely offer you the engagement such as it is.
Elijah Saturday afternoon March 16th Dorking Halls at 2.45. Rehearsal probably at 10.30.
I fear my committee can only offer a ‘war-time’ fee of £4-4-0 (Four guineas) + expenses.
It was funny that I was just going to ring you up when your letter came – I do feel so sorry for you and all you young artists … & I do want to preserve your beautiful voice for others to hear.  But the question is how?
Of course I will speak highly of you to the BBC when occasion arises – let me know what else you c^d suggest – I wish you c^d get into the BBC singers!
You say something about taking up some other profession – would this be a concession of defeat if you did it ‘for the duration’ and kept your voice in trim to go back to the profession when times are better again?
Love from Uncle Ralph