Sir, - Douglas Sealy's review (June 21st) of St Eugene's Cathedral Adult Choir's performance of Bruckner's Mass in E minor was the most vitriolic cutting piece of writing I have ever had the misfortune to read. As a recently joined chorister I am at pains to understand the nature and tone of Mr Sealy's critique which was at complete odds with the audience reaction on the night. How can a performance which merited a standing ovation be subsequently described as a "catastrophe"?
St Eugene's Boys Choir, which is considered by many to be the best boy's choir on these islands, did not fare much better under was not generously treated by Mr Sealy's pen. His cutting words were certainly not a reflection of their wonderful performance.
The choirs performed at the invitation of the organisers of the International Organ and Choral Festival and it was considered an honour to participate. Both Donal Doherty, a gifted and committed choirmaster, and the choirs worked extremely hard to produce pieces appropriate to the occasion. The abhorrent manner in which Mr Sealy treated the amateur choirs reflects badly to him. Criticism is always welcome in order to strive for perfection but not when it is delivered in ar offensive and insulting manner. - Yours, etc.,
32 Templegrove, Derry.