Madam, - Brian Lynch (Showcasing Irish composers, March 18th) suggests that a festival of Irish ("classical") music be brought to London.
There already is one, held once a year, namely, the concerts put on during the St Patrick's Festival for the past four years.
They are the work of the London Irish Symphony Orchestra, made up of students at the various colleges in London, and young professional musicians.
They have done world premieres of music by Solfa Carlisle (Aisling), Jonathan Lee (Choreography for Orchestra), and Graeme Stewart (Goblin Market).
They have done "British" premieres of Ó Riada and Kinsella, and have produced a CD, Aisling. It can be bought, and the ILSO can be contacted, at admin_at_londonirishso.org.uk.
They are doing very important work, and presumably would not refuse help from the Oireachtas, or private citizens.
There are other cities in the world which need evangelising on this matter. Moscow already has a "precursor" in John Field and William Vincent Wallace was everywhere. - Yours, etc,
SEÁN McGOURAN, Tollington Way, London N7.