THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

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

July 28th 1957

Dear Arthur,

Ursula and I were able to come, after all, yesterday.  It is a fine work, both on the part of you and your librettist, and it was splendid to form part of that large and enthusiastic audience.  I should think that by now Lord Hategood and his friends must have their tails between their legs. Anyhow, you, and the New Opera Company, have, I believe lit a candle which cannot be easily put out.  That lad Lovett is a genius and must be looked after.¹
Love from us both,
Yrs

RVW²

1. A tale of two cities (see VWL2354, VWL2683) having received three broadcast performances on the BBC Third Programme in 1953, had just received a stage production by the New Opera Company at Sadlers Wells, see R.V.W.: a biography, p.382. Lord Hategood is a reference to the then Chairman of Sadlers Wells opera, Lord Harewood, who unsurprisingly much resented the appellation when he came to hear of it. Leon Lovett conducted the Sadlers Wells performances.
2.  Signed by VW.