Madam, - I had the very great pleasure of being at the National Youth Orchestra concert reviewed by Michael Dervan in your edition of July 2nd. I planned my weeks' holiday in Ireland around this date as I was keen to hear the orchestra in such a challenging programme. I have heard most of the top young orchestras around the world and yours, without question, ranks with the very best. My sense of admiration was matched only by my astonishment at Mr Dervan's critique.
Shostakovich's Symphony No 5, which ended the concert, is subtitled "A Soviet artist's reply to just criticism". This letter should be regarded as an English musician's response to unjust criticism of her Irish colleagues. From the bubbly effervescence of Smetena's Bartered Bride through the sensitive accompaniment to Beethoven's Emperor Concerto to the power and passion of the Shostakovich symphony, this orchestra under the direction of Gearóid Grant was awe-inspiring.
I would like to add my voice to the acclaim with which this concert was received by the audience, and to thank the NYOI and its conductor for a truly memorable, uplifting and life-affirming night. Without doubt, I will again travel to hear the next performance by this wonderful - to use Mr Dervan'ss rather vulgar term - "band". - Yours, etc,
ANNA COOLING-ISHERWOOD,
Winchelsea,
East Sussex,
England.