Sir, - The position of music critic of The Irish Times is a very influential one.
I for one would like to thank Michael Dervan for his years of support for Irish musicians and his encouragement of local talent, and I feel certain that all other musicians hold him in the same regard as myself.
Where would Irish music be without him? - Yours, etc.,
David James, Principal Cello, RTE Concert Orchestra, Kenilworth Square, Dublin 6.