THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
10, Hanover Terrace,
Regents Park,
London, N.W.1.

March 16th 1958.

To all those who took part in the performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion on Wednesday, March 5th 1958.

You covered yourselves with glory, having to follow that fine, but very different, performance by Dr Armstrong without special rehearsal.  I thank you heartily.  You were assisted by a fine orchestra and by the inspiring and helpful continuo playing by Dr Cole and Mr Gritton.  It is difficult to describe what both the conductors and performers owe to these fine artists.  We also had the advantage of what I believe to be the best sextet of singers we have ever had.
Thank you once again: and may we repeat our triumph next year.¹

1. VW decided later in May not to conduct the Passion again. See VWL3297.