THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Dorking

Dec 23 [1944]

Dear Gerald

I really can’t settle that part – after all quâ audience I shall be the least important part there.¹ 
– If you really want to do something by me w^d suggest – not the Tallis – it really wants a big string orchestra – requiring as it does 4 soloists & 9 2^nd orchestra that is 13 players before you start on the full orchestra – I w^d suggest Charterhouse Suite or Dives (this requires I admit at least 4 cellos & 4 violas – but I have a specially cued in set for 3 of each which I c^d lend you – & also the harp part could be played on the pfte (this in your ear, because I do not want it to become a habit).
As regards leader, Sybil² was playing beautifully a few months ago – but of course she is not an experienced orchestral leader – though she of course has the right spirit.  – If you do not have her how about Vera KANTROVITCH*  58 Church Road Worcester Park Surrey Derwent 3242 – she is a fine player & an experienced leader both of professional (K Riddicks orchestra) & amateur (Surrey string players) orchestras.  – I do not know what fee you can pay – we give our leader at Dorking £5-5-0 + expenses – but this is more or less a minimum – as they can get back to London for an evening engagement if they wish. I don’t know Harold Fairhurst.³
My love to Joyce
Yrs

RVW

*she is a dear person

1. The letter is presumably about plans for a concert by Finzi’s Newbury String Players.
2. Sybil Eaton, violinist.
3. Kathleen Riddick.
4. Fairhurst was a violinist.