Madam, - Although I agree with Oliver McGrane (December 2nd) that an operatic concert performance of the kind presented recently by Opera Ireland is not an acceptable substitute for the real thing, I find it preferable to the type of operatic productions we have endured from Opera Ireland over the past few years - distracting, irritating, vulgar and at times unbelievably stupid.
I have no problem with concert performances provided some inter-action is allowed between the singers. The concert performance of Elektra last year at the National Concert Hall, for example, was a success both musically and dramatically.
It is amazing that when Ireland was a poor country, we could afford excellent operatic productions with two seasons each year and seats at very affordable prices. - Yours, etc.,
AILIS McGEE, Applewood Heights, Greystones, Co Wicklow.