Sir, - The Arts Council's policy on contemporary music as outlined by Dermot McLaughlin (December 15th) seems not to take account of the real needs of Irish composers. There is little point in the council funding "awards and opportunities for composers to develop and create new work" if there is no constructive support available for the performance of these pieces.
It may be an idea to consult with us, the composers, to find out how we think Arts Council funding should be spent. For example, the Arts Council and the Arts Council-funded Contemporary Music Centre believe that£24,000 should be given to one individual every three years to do a Ph.D. in composition at York University. If the Arts Council had sought the views of Irish composers they may have found that some of us believe that: (a) postgraduate study is not the best development a young composer can have; (b) England is not the best place to send a young composer, since the most important developments in contemporary music have happened in Germany, France and America. Some of us would also prefer £24,000 to be invested in a contemporary music group such as the innovative Crash Ensemble or a contemporary music series (such as the sorely missed concerts in the Project).
We need an environment where the best contemporary music from around the world is played well and regularly. We also need to hear our own works played, as this is the best way a composer can develop. I would suggest that this could be achieved by the Arts Council and the Contemporary Music Centre changing from a policy of promoting individuals to a policy of promoting contemporary music. - Yours, etc.,
Stoneybatter, Dublin 7.