MARIA SAFONOFF (1897-1989) hand written letter-1970, daughter, Vassily Safonoff

Description

You are bidding on hand written letter to me with envelope dated October 18, 1970 from MARIA SAFONOFF (1897-1989), daughter of Russian pianist and conductor, Vassily (1852-1918). The family escaped to Italy after the Russian Revolution, and soon after permanently settled in US.
Vassily studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory under Leschetizky. Vassily's pupils included Scriabin,J. Lhevinne and Medtner.
Dear Mr. Jones,
I would like to help you in your research but I myself have never had the pleasure of meeting Vengerova, the mother of Alexander Borovsky, nor did I hear her name--she probably studied with Wassily Safonoff long before my time.
Personally I do not know anyone in Moscow or Leningrad who might be able to assist.
Unfortunately father's biographer in Russia, Mr. Jacob Rabitcher suddenly passed on a few months ago--at the time when he was completing his second book on Wassily Safonoff, dedicated especially to his piano school, his pedagogical activities and his pupils. I was in correspondence with him and he might have been able to give you the desired information.
He is survived by his wife, who is trying to have his work published. It is doubtful that she could tell you anything about Vengerova, but I am writing her address below anyhow. She is not conversant in English.
Mrs. Maria Nikolayevna Ravitcher, Leningrad, D-123, 30, Salrykov-Schedrin St, 30, apt 56, USSR.
The only other suggestion I can make is to write to Prof. Evsei Shor, the son of David Shor. David Shor was my father's devoted pupil, who wrote feelingly about his years of study under Wassily Safonoff. his reminiscenses were published in Moscow. Prof. Evsei Shor is now writing a biography of his father-David Shor. Perhaps he has heard something from his father about the question you are interested in. Here is his address:
Prof. G. Shor, Director, Conservatory of Music, Holon, 46, rue Shenkar, Israel.
Wishing you success in your work,
Very sincerely, signed (Maria Safonoff), 780 Lexington Avenue, NY, NY 10021.