Letter from Eugene Ormandy to Inauguration Committee

A letter from Eugene Ormandy, renowned music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, declines an invitation to the inauguration of Colgate Whitehead Darden Jr., as president of the University of Virginia on October 1, 1947, as well as a celebratory luncheon that day. Ormandy cited the need to rest before a 3:30 performance on the Lawn in front of Cabell Hall, which was part of the inaugural festivities. The orchestra performed two works by Johannes Brahms—the Academic Festival Overture and his Third Symphony—as well as a piece by Richard Strauss. Citation: Material Concerning the Inauguration of Colgate Darden as President of the University of Virginia. RG-20/63/1.731. Special Collections, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.