THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Dorking.

Sept 21 [1942]

Dear Mrs O’Neill

Thank you very much for your letter  – I quite understand about Gustav’s piece.
I am so sorry to hear from Margaret Horne¹ that you do not like the way your name is set out on the handbills. I was in a difficulty about that – I always cut out all “M^r” “Miss” “D^r” etc on programmes – I feel we might as well say that you were to play a sonata by Mr Beethoven! & I did not want to make an exception in your case.
We do not have any printed programmes – but I promise you that in all announcements whether printed or by word of mouth you shall be properly announced.²
Yours sincerely

R. Vaughan Williams

P.S. It would be splendid if you would yourself act as “compère” at your concert – Of course I w^d introduce you to the audience.

1. Later conductor of Westcott and other choirs. See And Choirs Singing: An account of the Leith Hill Musical Festival 1905-1985, Leith Hill 1985.
2. See VWL1688 for previous correspondence on the subject.