Madam, - The National Chamber Choir makes an important contribution to the musical landscape of Ireland. Concern about its future is very welcome. The Arts Council has supported the choir since 1990, remains its primary funder, and is working with all the parties involved to ensure its sustainability in the long term.
This correspondence - as well as John Kinsella's letter about the future of the symphony (February 10th) - is timely in highlighting important national policy issues for contemporary music. A coherent system of public support for contemporary music is essential if we are to have a diverse and musically rich quality of life. The Arts Council has recently published Sounds New - a Review of Supports to Contemporary Music in Ireland, which highlights key steps that need to be taken to achieve the necessary level and kind of public support. Central among these is increased partnership and collaboration between the Arts Council and other public bodies, including the Department of Education and Science, Culture Ireland, RTÉ and the network of local authorities.
In responding to the review, the Arts Council, with the support of its parent body, the Department of Arts Sport and Tourism, is actively seeking to establish and build on these relationships. It is our intention that new partnerships will address the wider agenda for the future of music, which includes: enhancing opportunities for musical education; stabilising major music organisations; providing more regular performance opportunities for Irish composers and the recording and distribution of their work; and making the best of music widely available throughout Ireland. - Yours, etc,
MARY CLOAKE, Director, The Arts Council, Merrion Square, Dublin 2.
Madam, - The resignation of Celso Antunes and Karina Lundström is real shame for the musical community in Europe. Under Antunes, the National Chamber Choir had become one of the finest choirs in Europe - indeed, a great choir, with which I have been very proud to be associated.
Everything was there to continue the road they had undertaken together. The programmes were beautifully planned and performed at the highest artistic level. I shall never understand how marketing issues and insensitive people may want to destroy artistic expression, particularly at such high levels.
It is inexcusable, and I hereby protest about the irresponsible and ignorant conduct of the new board. - Yours, etc,
JOHN PALMER, Composer, Stuttgart, Germany.