when allen resigned in 1921 his place was taken by ralph vaughan williams who had by then become a famous composer. he had a gentler approach than allen. he stayed until 1928 when he left to be able to work more on composition. in his place the choir appointed gustav holst, but he became ill and was never able to take up his post. instead, adrian boult took over for three years. during his time it became tradition to perform bach’s "st matthew passion" every year. this tradition continues today.