Sir, – Senator David Norris, when speaking about RTÉ Lyric FM's programme Nova in the Seanad on January 26th, referred to modern music in Ireland as "thumps and bangs and whistles and squelches and belches".
Contemporary music is associated with many preconceptions and negative associations. The truth is that it is an eclectic genre full of creativity, innovation and talent that should be a source of pride for Ireland.
I challenge Mr Norris to seek out the compositions of composers such as Linda Buckley, Deirdre McKay, Michael McGlynn and Eric Sweeney.
Or perhaps next time he has doubts about the quality of modern music perhaps he should attend a concert by the RTÉ ConTempo Quartet or Concorde.
People need to take ownership of the music being created in this country and be proud of it. – Yours, etc,
GAVIN BRENNAN,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.