THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates
Dorking

Oct 25th [1944]

Dear Hely Hutchinson

Many thanks for your letter –

1. I shall be obliged if you will direct a room at a Hotel in Bedford to be booked for me Sat: Nov 4th .

2   I have not heard yet from Woodgate¹ re Luton – but doubtless I soon shall

3. I still have no idea as to the title²
 
4. I note that E. Suddaby will sing the sop part
– as to speaker how about Steuart Wilson – when I suggested him to Adrian³ he thought his voice was too light – but it is a beautiful speaking voice and his musicianship w^d stand us in good stead.

Yrs

R Vaughan Williams

1. Leslie Woodgate, who was directing the BBC Chorus. The original is noted ‘L.W. wrote on 25th’.
2. Oxford University Press had questioned the title Victory Anthem – see VWL1937. It eventually was entitled Thanksgiving for Victory (Catalogue of Works 1944/4).
3. Sir Adrian Boult, who was to conduct the performance.  Original noted: ‘Valentine Dyall has been booked.’