MS Mus. 1784/1/36

1: ff. 1-4: Patricia Buchan-Hepburn: Chairman, The National Association of Mixed Clubs and Girls' Clubs: 18 May 1955: Announces summer events in aid of the National Association of Mixed Clubs and Girls' Clubs; invites Sargent to join committees for the organisation of the events

2: ff. 5-8: Clifford W. Gillam: Arnold Bax Society, Jean Sibelius: Composer: 10-18 August 1955: Gillam apologises to Sargent for comments to press concerning the lack of Bax performances on the BBC; Sargent promises more performances will be forthcoming; copy of letter from Sibelius accepting the presidency of the Arnold Bax Society

3: ff. 9-10: Margarita [no surname]: [friend in Germany]: 6 July 1955: Thanks Sargent on behalf of her brother Ludwig for the Messiah records; reports that she has been over 3 weeks in hospital while her knee recovers

4: f. 11: Alexander Brott: Composer, conductor: 6 August 1955: Thanks Sargent for the privilege of appearing as composer-conductor at a forthcoming Promenade Concert

5: f. 12: Julius [Sherda?]: Brady Boys' Club: 5 August 1955: Request for Sargent to give a talk to the Discussion and Debating section of the Club for boys and girls age 13-18

6: ff. 13-17: John H. Berry: 1-3 August 1955: Expresses disappointment that Handel organ concertos are no longer a feature of Promenade concerts; Sargent agrees but states the BBC considers Henry Wood's arrangements to be far from the intention of Handel

7: ff. 18-20: Fred Baxter: [Music enthusiast]: 10 August 1955: Sargent answers a theoretical enquiry from Baxter about the nomenclature of the diminished 7th in music

8: f. 21: Sir Arthur Beverley Baxter: Member of Parliament, Journalist: 22 July 1955: Sargent thanks Baxter for an article he had written

9: ff. 22-23: Charles Ringrose: Secretary, British Hungarian Friendship Society: 23 June-25 July 1955: Writes to enclose scores and a book of Hungarian decorative folk art on behalf of the Institute for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries in Budapest

10: ff. 24-25: Kenneth Bird: Chairman, Universities Federation for Animal Welfare: 21 April 1955: Request to broadcast an appeal for the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare; Sargent agrees if the date is available

11: f. 26: Sir Ernest Bullock: Director, Royal College of Music: 18 June 1955: Sargent writes to recommend a horn player named Chapman for a professorship at the Royal College of Music

12: ff. 27-28: Muriel Barnby: Related to Joseph Barnby who was conductor of the Royal Choral Society: 27 April 1955: Writes to enclose a silver box as a gift to Sargent; she states that Antonín Dvořák gave the box to Joseph Barnby (conductor of the Royal Choral Society) on the occasion of Barnby conducting the first performance of 'The Spectre's Bride' at the Royal Albert Hall

13: f. 30: M. Battsek: Associated with the International Student Service and Help to Greece Committee: 20 April 1955: Request for the Chapel Choir of the Pennsylvania State University to attend a rehearsal during their visit to London; encloses programmes for concerts the choir intend to perform

14: f. 31: George H. Chamberlain [signed 'Bim']: 23 November 1955: Invitation for Sargent to join him for supper on the occasion of a forthcoming concert in Liverpool

15: f. 32: Avril Coleridge-Taylor: [Daughter of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor]: 26 November 1955: Thanks Sargent for his interest in a score which he hopes to include in one of his programmes

16: f. 33: [not correspondence]: : Note to indicate that Coventry Philharmonic Society correspondence has been 'passed to Willoughby'

17: ff. 34-36: Edith Airlie Cousin South Australian Hospitals' Visiting Committee,Glenda Christesen: 24 September-30 November 1955: Concerning a request for Christesen to audition for Sargent; he does not have time but invites her to attend a rehearsal

18: f. 37: John [surname unclear]: 21 November 1955: Request for Sargent to act as a referee for his application for the post of Head of Music Programmes, Television

19: ff. 38-41: Leslie Carew: 13-25 November 1955: Carew writes to berate Sargent for statements on jazz and dance music which he believes are misinformed; Sargent denies the comments attributed to him

20: ff. 42-44: Daphne Conant: [Married to Sir Roger John Edward Conant, formerly Comptroller of HM Household]: 6 October- 23 November 1955: Request for Sargent to attend the annual Conservative Bazaar in Stamford

21: ff. 45-46: Vincent Clarke: Trombonist: 1-16 September 1955: Requests opportunity to perform the Mikashina trombone concerto in London; Sargent expresses an interest and requests to see a score

22: ff. 47-48: Joy Cullinan: 5-6 September 1955: Thanks Sargent on behalf of her family for 'reading the Bunyan' at a service in memory of physician Lord Horder [Thomas Jeeves Horder, 1^st Baron Horder]

23: ff. 49-50: Nellie M. Clark: The Gilbert and Sullivan Society: 22-23 August 1955: Thanks Sargent for his part in arranging the inclusion of Gilbert and Sullivan in a Promenade Concert

24: ff. 51-52: Leonard W. Bailey: Founder Warden & Secretary, the Centre Settlement: 20-21 July 1955: Request for Sargent to conduct a proposed charity concert given by the Ford Motor Company Orchestra in aid of The Centre Settlement; Sargent request more details

25: ff. 53-68: Harriet Cohen: Pianist: 19-20 August 1955: Cohen objects to Sargent's comments quoted in the Evening Standard about the music of Arnold Bax; Sargent denies the words attributed to him

26: ff. 69-71: Raymond Cohen: Violinist, Henry Haftel: Associated with Israel Philharmonic Orchestra: 7-19 August 1955: Sargent recommends Cohen to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra at Cohen's request

27: ff. 72-74: George Chavchavadze : 5 [month unclear] 1955: Request for Sargent to include pianist Phillipe Entremont in the Promenade Concerts; sends a recording for Sargent's consideration

28: f. 75: Joseph Cooper: Pianist: 28 July 1955: Thanks Sargent for conducting his performance at the Promenade Concerts

29: f. 76: Charles Maurice Strettell Clarke: Vicar, St. Mary's Parish Church, Melton Mowbray: 7 May 1955: Request for Sargent to take part in the Dedication Service of the new organ

30: ff. 77-84: Lilian Cullup: Director, The Sutton and Cheam Girl Singers: 27 March 1955: Concerning The Sutton and Cheam Girl Singers; encloses press cuttings referring to the formation of the choir

31: f. 85: Gordon S. Bessey: Director of Education, County Education Office, Cumberland: 29 June 1955: Requests Sargent be guest speaker at the Cumberland Musical Gathering 1956

32: f. 86: R.D. Gibson: J. & W. Chester Ltd: 9 May 1955: Enquires whether Sargent is interested in performing George Chavchavadze's suite 'Egrette'; Sargent's secretary writes on the letter that Sargent regards the work as 'not very good' and 'unoriginal'

33: f. 87: Anne Churchill: 5 June 1955: Requests one of Sargent's old conducting batons

34: ff. 88-98: H.S. Cox: 3-7 June 1955: 3 June 1955: Cox objects to a statement broadcast by Sargent concerning 'bad amateur performances' of Gilbert and Sullivan; on clarification of his meaning by Sargent's secretary an apology is received

35: f. 99: Richard Arnell: Composer: 17 February 1955: Writes to accompany a score of of his symphonic portrait of Byron; refers to a forthcoming performance of his setting of 'Ode to the West Wind'

36: f. 100: L.W. Roberts: Hon. Sec. Croydon Gramophone Society: 1955: Informs Sargent of the forthcoming activities of the Croydon Gramophone Society

37: ff. 101-103: Blyth Major: General Manager, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra: 7 April 1955: Request for Sargent to write a note to support a Special Appeal for the Endowment Fund of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

38: ff. 104-108: 'Hilary P.C.H': 14 May 1955: Concerning invitation to attend a dinner of the Monday Catch Club

39: f. 107: Joan Chissell: 20 April 1955: Seeks a score of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10

40: ff. 108-109: Harriet Cohen: Pianist: 6 April 1955: Encloses list of recipients of the Harriet Cohen International Awards 1955

41: ff. 110-111: William Surrey Dane: Chairman, Daily Herald: 31 October-7 November 1955: Thanks Sargent for conducting the brass bands at their Festival Concert; Sargent introduces his own orchestration of a Chopin Polonaise in the hope Dane's officials might promote its publication

42: f. 112: [no name – addressed to The Editor]: Debrett's: 13 October 1955: Sargent writes to Debrett concerning his proposed entry in the 1956 edition of Debrett's; he requests they remove any mention of his marriage

43: f. 113: Alice Dixon: 27 October 1955: Responds to Sargent's letter [no copy] concerning her attendance at rehearsals; she apologises if her attendance has 'caused you any embarrassment'

44: ff. 114-115: J.H. Davies: Music Librarian, British Broadcasting Corporation: 5 October 1955: Invites Sargent to keep a set of microfilms for the Four Serious Songs

45: ff. 116-117: [unclear]: 15-17 June 1955: Concerning the closure of the account of the Malcolm Sargent Fund (established for tuberculosis sufferers)

46: ff. 118-119: Albert Thomas Duke: 14-16 August 1955: Seeks Sargent's help to acquire a violin

47: f. 120: W.B. Hamilton: President, Executive Board, Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra: 20 June 1955: Letter of introduction for Dr Erno Daniel, Musical Director of the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, who is visiting Europe

48: ff. 121-122: Lt-Col Ronald Cardew Duncan: Author: 18 June 1955: Informs Sargent he has been asked to write Sargent's biography for serialisation in the 'Women's Journal'; Sargent regrets he cannot because his son is under contract to write it

49: ff. 123-125: Norman Draper: Composer: 1 April 1954-25 January 1955: Seeks Sargent's support for an appeal to raise funds to print scores of a comic opera he has composed; encloses letter from Samuel French Limited (Publishers)

50: f. 126: [unclear]: Royal Danish Embassy: 28 April 1955: Concerning arrangements for the forthcoming arrival of the King and Queen of Denmark

51: f. 127: I. Davis: Davis and Son Dyers London Ltd.: 24 June 1955: Confirmation of financial estimate for the cleaning of carpets and upholstery in Sargent's residence

52: f. 128: Frank W. Lipscomb: Organisin Secretary, Ex-Services Welfare Society: 1 December 1955: Request for patronage of a Concert in aid of the Ex-Services Welfare Society

53: ff. 129-136: Edward V. Appleton: Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Edinburgh University: 25-26 July 1955: Request for Sargent to give a lecture at the Edinburgh Festival in place of Dr. Gilbert Murray who is incapacitated; encloses a provisional programme for the Festival; Sargent cannot accept owing to the Promenade Concerts

54: f. 137: Percy Young: Composer: 24 July 1955: Informs Sargent he has made a suite for strings from Elgar's 'Spanish Lady' which is being published by Robert Elkin

55: ff. 138-139: W. Law: East Essex Gazette: 29 July-4 August 1955: Request for Sargent to remark on an article on 'The Dream of Gerontius'; copy of Sargent's appreciative comments

56: ff. 140-144: Charles Wintour: Deputy Editor, Evening Standard: 12-23 September 1955: Request for Sargent to serve on a panel to judge the Evening Standard annual drama awards

57: ff. 145-146: M.F. Pearmain: Headmistress, White Bridge County Primary Junior School: 21-25 February 1955: Copy of a character study of Sargent by 11 year old pupil John Glibbery; a note on the letter indicates a photograph was sent in reply

58: ff. 147-149: John Howe: Editor, 'Everybody's',M.B. Critchlow: Artist: 26 April-8 May 1955: Request for Sargent to sit for a portrait by M.B. Critchlow to be published in 'Everybody's'; Sargent insists he must paint from a photograph having no time for a sitting

59: ff. 150-151: C. Fairweather: 1-7 December 1955: Invitation for Sargent to make use of his box in the Royal Albert Hall; Sargent gratefully accepts the offer

60: ff. 152-153: Diana J. Ford: 20 July 1955: Seeks secretarial work

61: f. 154: Margaret Fairless: 15 September 1955: Seeks to leave Johannesburg to find orchestral work in London

62: f. 155: [unclear]: E.H. Freeman, Ltd.: 5 August 1955: Writes to enclose carols at the request of A.E. Chapman

63: ff. 156-163: Barbara Fellowes: 3-11 August 1955: Correspondence with Fellowes, who is angry that her husband has not been selected to narrate 'Peter and the Wolf' at a forthcoming Promenade Concert; Sargent denies he was promised the part and claims he was never even considered

64: ff. 164-165: Colonel Antony Francis: Secretary, Congragational Union of England and Wales, Men's Luncheon Club: 10-13 June 1955: Request to give an address to the Congregational Union of England and Wales Men's Luncheon Club; Sargent declines; note by Sargent's secretary 'had to make it rule [to] not talk much' [owing to frequency of requests]

65: f. 166: Librarian, Messrs. Foyles Ltd: 29 March 1955: Sargent thanks Foyles for sending scores of Handel and Mahler

66: ff. 167-168: Ruby Fleischmann: [Secretary has written 'Lady Gowrie's sister]: 31 May 1955: Sends white shirts and waistcoats; Sargent replies to thank her

67: ff. 169-170: John A.V. Forster: Amateur composer: 26 April 1955: Responds presumptuously to a letter from Sargent which had stated his composition was amateurish and not very good

68: ff. 171-172: Pierre Fournier: Cellist: 16-18 May 1955: Thanks Sargent for conducting a performance

69: ff. 173-174: Roy Gregory,Herbert [Wiseman]: 26-28 November 1955: Letters concerning poor standards at the Tonic Sol-Fa College [no context]

70: ff. 175-177: [unclear]: Capricorn Africa Society: 15 November 1955: Invites Sargent to become a member of the Capricorn Africa Society, established to promote good relations between races in Africa

71: f. 178: Rose Inlander-Gover: 29 November 1955: Writes to express approval of Sargent's conducting of 'The Planets'

72: ff. 179-180: W. Tanner Gaddarn: The Henry Wood Concert Society: 6-8 November 1955: Offers congratulations for a performance of 'Messiah' conducted by Sargent

73: f. 181: [Mr] Gibson: 27 October 1955: Request from Sargent for programmes of the Promenade Concerts to be bound

74: ff. 182-184: John Gibbens, Donald Gilbert: 5 September 1955-13 October 1955: Correspondence concerning the death of physician Lord Horder

75: f. 185: Reginald Gardner: Royal Opera House: 6 October 1955: Concerning cuts to be made in performances of Walton's 'Troilus and Cressida'

76: ff. 186-188: Vivienne Gordon: 11-12 August 1955: Proposes that the Gulbenkian Trustees fund the building of unfurnished accommodation for musicians to practice; seeks Sargent's support to promote the idea

77: ff. 189-193: John Goodall: Mid-Ocean Club, Tucker's Town, Bermuda: 16-26 July 1955: Encloses bank draft to settle overcharging for Sargent's stay at the Mid-Ocean Club; Sargent thanks him for 'the most perfect holiday'

78: ff. 194-195: Thelma Godfrey: Soprano: 1-2 August 1955: Request for Sargent to listen to a BBC broadcast in which Godfrey is performing

79: ff. 196-197: Zara Hore-Ruthven, Countess of Gowrie: Formerly Governer-General of Australia: 1-3 August 1955: Thanks Sargent for a letter sent following the death of her husband

80: ff. 198-200: Graham Lowes: 7-10 August 1955: Thanks Sargent for a forthcoming performance of 'Hiawatha' at a Promenade Concert and requests that a recording of the work should be made; Sargent informs him that a recording is being considered

81: ff. 201-203: Percy Gray: 11 July 1955: Encloses a programme for the Promenade Concert at the Queen's Hall on 9 October 1896 conducted by Henry Wood; invites Sargent to accept the 'museum piece'

82: ff. 204-206: Henry J. Greenwood: Formerly violinist with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra: 31 May 1955: Request for permission to quote Sargent as a referee for the post of Music Adviser to the Reading Education Committee

83: f. 207: Mary Galstaun: 28 April 1955: Request for Sargent to suggest an American artist or private buyer who would be interested in purchasing her Stradivari violin; encloses certificate of history (missing).

84: ff. 208-209: Kenneth Gregory: Daily Herald: 10-11 May 1955: Request for permission to attend a rehearsal and meet briefly in order to write an article for the Daily Herald

85: ff. 210-212: Joan Godfrey: 16 May 1955: Request for advice concerning the career of a personal friend who is a pianist; Sargent cannot offer advice without more information

86: ff. 213-223: [not correspondence]: 13 January 1955: Promotional material concerning the Grundig Stenorette recording machine; includes receipt for delivery of a machine