Sir, - It was with great sadness that we received news of the death of Derek Hill. Derek was one of the longest-serving members of the Wexford Opera Festival Council. His valuable knowledge of 19th-century Italian opera was immense.
Derek was a loyal, active supporter of the Wexford Opera Festival and was influential in bringing many people from overseas every year to Wexford. He was also an enthusiastic fundraiser for us over his long years of service.
We all loved him as a gentleman and artist of international recognition. We will all miss him very much. Yours, etc.,
Mairead Furlong, Wexford Opera Festival Board, Wexford