Madam, - Michael Dervan's review of the performance of Handel's Messiah in St Patrick's Cathedral by the Irish Baroque Orchestra and the Resurgam choir (The Irish Times, December 20th) described it as "quite the shallowest performance of Messiah" that he had ever encountered.
On the contrary, I counted myself privileged to be present. The adaptation under Mark Duley's direction was refreshing, energetic and uplifting. Mr Dervan's judgment does not begin to do justice to the strength of the performance, nor the delight of the audience present. I can honestly say it was for me the best performance of Messiah I have ever heard, and one that must have been very close indeed to how Handel envisaged its performance.
Let us "rejoice greatly" at this season, instead of finding fault where there is none. - Yours, etc.,
Dr ANNE O'CONNOR, Weirview Drive, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.