MS Mus. 1784/1/22

1: ff. 1-2: Isobel H. Livingstone: President, Wiltshire North Branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: 1 March 1950: Request for Sargent to attend the Annual Meeting of the Wiltshire North Branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

2: ff. 3-4: Leona Russell, Literary Editor, The Sunday Times; Pamela [Brett?]: 13 October-2 November 1950: Concerning an article about Sargent in ‘Go’ (a magazine recently purchased by The Sunday Times)

3: f. 5: J.C. Segueria Costa: Pianist: 8 November 1950: Request for a meeting with Sargent in London over Christmas or the New Year

4: f. 6: Hans-Hubert Schönzeler: Australian Conductor: 5 October 1950: Request for to meet Sargent for advice and assistance

5: f. 7: [unclear]: 25 November 1950: Letter from Sargent referring to a previous ‘extravagant’ evening at the Opera; gives invitation to his next concert in Hanley and enquires whether he might be able to stay

6: f. 8: Alek J. Skinner: Dale, Forty & Co. Ltd, Pianoforte Manufacturers and Merchants: 24 October 1950: Thanks Sargent for his postcard and encloses a photograph to be autographed by Sargent

7: ff. 9-10: Iva Sutherland: 30 October 1950: Writes to remind Sargent about the photograph is he giving to the girls of Roedean, Johannesburg, for the school library

8: ff. 11-12: Peter Seymour: Secretary to artist Edward Seago: 13 October-3 November 1950: Concerning an exhibition of Edward Seago’s pictures in Norwich, for which Sargent lends some from his own collection

9: ff. 13-14: Eileen Stuart: Soprano: 23 October 1950: Request for audition with Sargent to receive advice on her singing

10: f. 15: Captain Gilbert Parker: The Salvation Army: 23 September 1950: Request for Sargent to preside at ‘A Festival for the People’ organised by The Salvation Army on 4 November 1950

11: ff. 16-18: Basil Stenning: Bookseller: 9 September 1950: Request for Sargent’s advice; Stenning ‘knows’ he could be an orchestral conductor, though he ‘cannot read a note of music’; he wishes to find the means to study

12: f. 19: Bernard Shore: Viola player, composer: 3 September 1950: Request to perform again with Sargent; he would like to perform the Bartok Viola Concerto which he recently heard in Edinburgh

13: f. 20: Audrey Surtees: 12 August 1950: Thanks Sargent for the seats at his Promenade Concert; he would like to attend the Last Night; he requests that Sargent meet them for a drink on their return from France

14: ff. 21-23: Joseph Slater: Flautist: 7 June-15 August 1950: Request to receive a reference from Sargent in relation to a position with the Liverpool Philharmonic; in the event the vacancy is withdrawn

15: f. 24: Phyllis Brown: Assistance Secretary, Stafford and District Arts Council: 26 July 1950: Request for Sargent to give a talk to the Musical Societies in Stafford; Sargent declines

16: f. 25: Ronald Seth: 13 July 1950: Request for a baton or other item to auction at the Guernsey Scout Garden Fête

17: f. 26: Flight Lieutenant V.W. Searles: Adjutant, R.A.F. Halton: 4 May 1950: Request for advice in relation to a promising tenor in his Station Church Choir

18: ff. 27-28: Howard Hartog: Assistant Director, Schott & Co. Limited: 28 March-12 May 1950: Concerning scores and tickets for ‘A Child of Our Time’ which Sargent intends to perform again

19: ff. 29-30: Bradford, Vera: Personal representative of Australian pianist Betty Stewart: 6 May 1950: Seeks to arrange interview with Sargent for Australian pianist Betty Stewart

20: f. 31: : 1950: Guide to the church of St John the Baptist, Stamford, which includes a reference to Sargent

21: ff. 32-33: Ronald S.G. Jenkinson: Choirmaster, Swaythling Hall Choir: 30 March 1950: Request for Sargent to conduct the Swaythling Hall Choir; Sargent declines

22: ff. 34-36: Anthony Swift: Musician: 2-9 March 1950: Request for Sargent’s advice concerning his ambitions to become a conductor

23: ff. 37-38: Albert Gillis: Editor, Texas String News : 23 September 1950: Request for Sargent to contribute an article for ‘Texas String News’

24: f. 39: Lionel Tertis: Violist: Undated [1950]: Enquires whether Sargent can attend an event [no context]

25: f. 40: G.J. Millen: Telephone manager: 22 August 1950: Concerning the installation of an extra telephone line at Sargent’s residence

26: f. 41: J.A. Westrup: President, Faculty of Music, University of Oxford: May 1950: Invitation to join the Union of Graduates in Music

27: f. 42: Hugh Lawson-Johnston: Chairman of Committee, United Society for Christian Literature: 27 April 1950: Reports on the Triple Jubilee Campaign and Winged Book Campaign for the United Society for Christian Literature

28: f. 43: Evelyn Tompsett: E. Tompsett Artistic Sculptures: 12 April: Request for an interview with Sargent in relation to a bust of Sargent she is sculpting and wishes to exhibit

29: ff. 44-45: Lelia A. [Lowasley?]: 8 March 1950: Thanks Sargent for his reply to her letter; discusses animal cruelty

30: f. 46: G. Parr: Membership Secretary, The Television Society: 15 March 1950: Invitation for Sargent to be guest of honour at the Annual Dinner of The Television Society on 31 March 1950

31: ff. 47-48: Mr Wilson [no first name]: Chief Sales Superintendent, The Telephone Manager’s Office, London Telecommunications Region: 23 February 1950: Sargent writes to the Post Office to request a plug attachment in order to keep a telephone permanently in his bedroom

32: f. 49: Wilfrid van Wyck: Agent to pianist Rena Kyriakou: 6 November 1950: Seeks clarification concerning pianist Rena Kyriakou’s claim that Sargent has offered her the opportunity to perform in England

33: ff. 50-52: W.L. Makin, Director, Wright-Anderson (Clean Homes Service) Ltd.; Tylee & Co., Insurance providers: 16 May 1950: Concerning the re-upholstering of two large Knole Settees 'damaged beyond repair' by the fall of the ceiling

34: f. 53: Henry Walker: Henry Walker (Bookseller) Ltd.: 15 November 1950: Informs Sargent that the book ‘Operation Heartbreak’ by Duff Cooper which Sargent requested has arrived at the bookshop

35: ff. 54-56: Jocelyn Perkins, Organist and Master of the Choristers, Westminster Abbey; William Mckie: Chairman of the Festival Committee, The Westminster Abbey Old Choristers’ Association: 29 October-1 November 1950: Invitation to attend The Twenty-Seventh Festival Dinner of The National Federation of Cathedral Old Choristers’ Associations on 4 November 1950

36: ff. 57-65: Rosie Waldo Warner: 23 July 1950: Encloses list of works composed by her late husband H. Waldo Warner

37: ff. 66-67: Peggie M. Whitman: Pianist: 22 September 1950: Concerning a vacancy for repetiteur with the BBC Variety Orchestra; asks Sargent’s advice after overcoming 'the handicap of only one eye’

38: ff. 68-69: Freda M. Watt: Contralto: 21 September 1950: Request for an audition with Sargent

39: f. 70: Lee Walker: 28 August 1950: Request for a meeting with Sargent; refers to Sargent’s recent performances in Brazil when Walker objected to Sargent’s choice of Vaughan-Williams’s ‘London Symphony’

40: f. 71: George Willoughby[?]: Associated with the BBC Symphony Orchestra: 15 September [1950?]: Writes from Hospital to thanks Sargent for adding message to a collection that has been raised for him

41: ff. 72-73: [unclear]: Secretary, Vail & Company: 27 July-11 August 1950: Writes to enclose 2 proofs of a postcard created from Sargent’s portrait photograph; Sargent requests 500 small versions

42: ff. 74-99: R.W. Davies Taylor: Hon. Sec. 1950 Wembley Music and Drama Festival: 13 March-17 July 1950: Request for Sargent’s support for the 1950 Wembley Music and Drama Festival; includes a published programme for the festival

43: ff. 100-101: John Walem: 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment: 8 June 1950: Thanks Sargent for agreeing to act as godfather to his second son; gives arrangements for the ceremony which he hopes Sargent can attend

44: f. 102: [unclear]: Editor, ‘Who’s Who in Music’: 19 May 1950: Writes to enclose a presentation copy of the current edition of ‘Who’s Who in Music’ which had been requested by Sargent

45: ff. 103-105: Claude C. Wellings: Amateur bassoonist: 8 March 1950: Request for Sargent’s advice concerning becoming a professional bassoon player

46: f. 106: D.P.L Matthews: Studio Manager, Vogue Studio: 13 March 1950: Acknowledges request to create 12 prints mounted on white card [no context]

47: f. 107: Dennis Walker: 15 March 1950: Reports he has received some manuscript scores safely (probably referring to the scores of violin and piano concertos mentioned in the letter of 12 December 1949); thanks Sargent for his kindness

48: ff. 108-110: Oliver Vella: Cellist: 8 February 1950 [date of performance]: Encloses programme and press review of a recital by Vella and his wife, pianist Sheila Dixon, at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, on 1 February 1950; informs Sargent of a forthcoming radio broadcast

49: f. 111: Katina J. Xydis: [‘Greek friend of Lady Norton’]: 11 November 1950: Concerning delivery of a present for Sargent from Lady Norton

50: ff. 112-113: Katherine Arnold: 20 November 1950: Request for Sargent to offer an audition to bass/baritone Donald Campbell

51: ff. 114-115: Andrew W. Arnold: 2-13 December 1950: Letters requesting Sargent look at two songs he has composed; owing to blindness he has been unable to read, write or compose

52: f. 116: Enid Airy: 14 March 1951: Invitation for Sargent to stay for ‘the 3 day event at Badminton’

53: ff. 117-118: Peter Albu: 13 February 1951: Request for Sargent to act as a referee in relation to Albu's application for an Assistant position in the BBC Music Department

54: ff. 119: Sir George Albu; Lady Albu: 8 February 1951: Invitation to attend the marriage of their daughter

55: ff. 120-137: W.A. Allen: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Building Research Station: 10-13 January 1951: Encloses academic paper on acoustical factors in platform design and concert arrangements for large orchestras; Sargent approves of the paper and adds comments about the differences between the ‘American and English Schools of brass playing’

56: f. 138: Larry Adler: Harmonica player: 5 January 1951: Thanks Sargent for his Christmas gift of a leather case for his mouth organ

57: f. 139: Louise Daly Irving Austin: New Zealand music critic, formerly conductor: 15 December 1950: Congratulates Sargent on becoming Director of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and reports on musical life in New Zealand

58: ff. 140-142: Claudio Arrau: Pianist: 21 November 1950: Request for Sargent to help a young Chilean pianist Alfonso Montesino when he visits London in January; Arrau regards him as ‘one of the outstanding pianists of his generation’

59: f. 159: H.O. Bohme: 24 February-31 March 1951: Concerning some photographs of Sargent taken by his brother-in-law; posts them to Sargent to purchase or return

60: ff. 145-152: Anne [no surname]: [friend in Malaysia]: 6 December 1950: Encloses some stickers for drinking glasses as a Christmas gift

61: f. 153: George Baker: Baritone: 1951: Thanks Sargent for including his recording of the Nightmare Song from ‘Iolanthe’ on his record programme; recommends a pupil, mezzo-soprano Nancy Thoma, who Sargent has agreed to hear

62: ff. 154-156: Denis Forman: Director, British Film Institute: 21 February-30 March 1951: Concerning Sargent opening the music course at the British Film Institute on 4 April 1951

63: f. 157: Evelyn Barbirolli: Oboeist [Wife of John Barbirolli]: 1951: Thanks Sargent for his telegram; reports on her husband’s recovery from ill health

64: f. 158: George Grant: Registrar: 20 March 1951: Request for Sargent to give a lecture at the University of Birmingham

65: f. 160: Angela Brockel: 21 February 1951: Thanks Sargent for his letter to Mrs Ryley [no context]

66: f. 161: Stanley Beard: 8 March 1951: Request for a signed photograph of Sargent

67: f. 162: Hilda Bamber: 3 March 1951: Thanks Sargent for his communication and encloses a donation

68: f. 163: Frederick C. Buxton: Viola player, Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra: 1 January 1951: Request for help to obtain the position of Assistant at the BBC Music Department

69: f. 164: Cecil Ball: [sang with Sargent at Stamford Parish Church]: 21 February 1951: Request for Sargent set to music his lyrics for a song

70: f. 165: Marjorie Berry: 24 January 1951: Request for Sargent to send 'a list of the different composers of ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’'

71: f. 166: Edwina Jackson: Copyright Department, Boosey and Hawkes: 21 December 1950: Concerning copyright for Sargent’s arrangement for strings of Borodin’s ‘Nocturne’, which is to be performed at the Proms

72: f. 167: Alison Bolton: Contralto: 3 February 1951: Request for the opportunity to sing The Angel in ‘The Dream of Gerontius’ in the event that Gladys Ripley is unable to sing

73: f. 168: Bob Bacon: [Met once on journey out of South Africa]: [undated] 1951: Request to meet after Sargent’s forthcoming concert in Leicester

74: ff. 169-174: M. Lindsey, Secretary, Columbia Gramophone Company Ltd.; Violet Helen Attlee, Countess Attlee, Wife of Prime Minister: 31 March 1950-26 January 1951: Correspondence regarding Sargent’s recommendation to the Prime Minister that soprano Isobel Baillie be included in the King’s Birthday Honours List

75: ff. 175-177: Molly Bartlett-Hewitt: 12 October 1950: Concerning proposal for Sargent to visit Nassau, Bahamas

76: ff. 178-179: Alice Blakeney: [Widow of late Rev. Richard Blakeney, Canon of Peterborough Cathedral]: 11 December 1950: Personal letter thanking Sargent for his kindness when she was in hospital

77: f. 180: Miles Beevor: Managing Director, Brush Electrical Engineering Co. Ltd.: 17 December 1950: Personal letter with family news

78: f. 181: A. & C. Black Ltd: 1951: Acknowledges receipt of order for a copy of ‘Who’s Who 1951’

79: f. 182: K.R.S. Cave: 19 March 1951: Request for permission to attend rehearsals for the opening concert of the Royal Festival Hall

80: f. 183: Lawrence Leonard: Secretary, Committee for the Promotion of New Music: 16 March 1951: Request to renew subscription for the Committee for the Promotion of New Music

81: ff. 184-189: Peter Cotes: Director, New Boltons Theatre Club: 28 January 1951: Invitation for Sargent to become a Director of the Brompton Theatre Company; encloses brochure and programme for New Boltons Theatre Club

82: ff. 190-191: W. Tudor-Pole

Mrs W. Tudor-Pole: 17 March 1951: Invitation for Sargent to attend the wedding of their daughter

83: ff. 192-196: C.B. Clayton: The New World Recorded Music Society: 25 November 1950: Concerning request for Sargent to become President of The New World Recorded Music Society

84: f. 197: Douglas Coates: Douglas Coates: 10 March 1951: Informs Sargent of the first performance of his Violin Concerto which is to be broadcast and requests the work be considered for the forthcoming Promenade Concert Season

85: f. 198: Graham Buckley: Chairman, Oxford University Cosmos Society and United Nations Association: 20 March 1951: Request for Sargent to address a meeting of the Oxford University Cosmos Society and United Nations Association

86: f. 199: Nicholas Choveaux: Artist Promoter: 20 March 1951: Request for Sargent to give a talk to the City Music Society at the Bishopsgate Institute; provides a list of artists he recommends for audition

87: f. 200: Francis Chagrin: Composer; Organiser, Committee for the Promotion of New Music: 24 February 1951: Informs Sargent that he is conducting the first broadcast performance of his Piano Concerto, should Sargent be interested in performing the work