The composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was fascinated by the ancient music of his homeland and as his explorations widened, he led a generation of English composers in a new renaissance of national music.

Renowned for his quintessentially English compositions, Vaughan Williams navigated an eclectic career deeply engaged with diverse musical traditions and approaches. In contrast to many European composers of the same era who sometimes left their audience bemused, Vaughan Williams steadfastly maintained an unwavering commitment to accessibility. Emerging as one of the most cherished composers in the nation, his works, spanning multiple genres, have firmly established themselves in the canon as integral components of the finest musical offerings this country has produced.