THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates, 
Dorking

18th November 1948

Dear Sirs

I understand that Mr. Geoffrey Corbett has applied for the post of Conductor of the Johannesburg City Orchestra.¹
I have known Mr. Corbett for many years. He is a first-rate musician and conductor and has considerable experience both of orchestral and operatic work. He has a temperament which makes his relationships with those he conducts cordial and friendly. I feel sure that you cannot make a better choice.

I may add that Mrs. Corbett (Jane Vowles)² is a fine contralto soprano singer with considerable operatic experience.

Yours faithfully,

Ralph Vaughan Williams

1. It is not clear whether Corbett was offered the post.
2. Jane Vowles was a soprano and married to the conductor Geoffrey Corbett. ‘Contralto’ has been scored though and ‘soprano’ added in the margin in VW’s hand.