Madam, - I echo the views expressed by Donagh Collins (April 6h), who has resigned as a director of the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland in protest at the merging of its two constituent orchestras into a single unit.
I have been associated with the National Youth Orchestra for about 13 years. Like Mr Collins I was a member of the orchestra, staff member and tutor of the percussion section in the junior orchestra.
I feel that the board's decision is wrong and will leave Ireland without an orchestra to prepare young musicians for a profession in music.
The NYOI senior orchestra has been a stepping stone for many of Ireland's finest musicians, some of whom hold top positions in major orchestras. The previous management of the NYOI has taken both orchestras to a standard that matches any other youth orchestra in Europe and this should continue into the future.
I hope this decision can be reversed and that young musicians of the future can have the same experience that I had during my time with National Youth Orchestra. - Yours, etc,
DIARMAID FRAIN, The Drive, Celbridge, Co Kildare.