Vera Janacopulos -Staal <br> Paris <br> Mont e Carlo <br> 19 April 1923 <br> Very dear Madame: <br> Thank you very much for your letter and for the interesting news you tell me. <br> It is difficult for me to reply at this time in an exact way about orchestrating the songs for our Antwerp concert. We can discuss this in Paris and I could undertake this work during summer vacation.As for your proposal about the May 29 concert , you understand that I must reserve my personal participation in concerts only for those occasions which can provide quite high fees, because my financial situation obliges me to pursue this source of income! But your letter has suggested an idea which I allow myself to share with you in all frankness. Negotiations for the publication of several of my works [still] in manuscript which have dragged on have put me justnow in a very difficult position. I confess that I absolutely must find within ten days the sum of about 4,000 francs. If it were possible for you to find this sum for me as a loan , you would render me a greatservice and I would participate with pleasure in your concert as you desire, too happy to find there the chance to demonstrate my gratitude as far as my present circumstances allow. <br> Please reply to me at the Hotel Princes - Monte Carlo w here I am stayin g for rehearsals of The Wedding with the Ballets Russes. <br> Awaiting your reply, I am, dear Madame , yours very sincerely, <br> Igor Strawinsky <br> p.s. My friend, Ansermet, who is also here in Monte Carlo, tells me that - just as I have often asked him - he firmly counts on obtaining an engagement for you in Switzerland this winter.