Madam, - It is always a delight to read about our cultural exports, in this case the sopranos Sinéad Mulhearn and Fionnuala McCarthy, who are stars of German opera (Magazine, March 17th). We should be very proud indeed of our divas in Deutschland, if somewhat envious of the city-state Berlin subsidies which the three big opera houses receive - €101 million, beyond our wildest dreams.
However, to report, as Derek Scally did, that opera in Ireland is "restricted to Opera Ireland's annual season, the Wexford Festival and overpriced, overblown spectacles" is untrue. In 21 years, Opera Theatre Company has notched up nearly 600 performances in 72 towns throughout Ireland, North and South. Our ticket prices are not "ridiculous", nor "out of reach of people".
Opera Theatre Company's goal is, and always will be, to make opera innovative and accessible, and not elitist. Our commitment to fostering Irish talent and to the development of new audiences makes us one of the country's most exciting cultural assets. We would be delighted to welcome Mr Scally to come and see for himself. - Yours, etc,
VIRGINIA KERR, Chairperson, Opera Theatre Company, Temple Bar Music Centre, Curved Street, Dublin 2.