Sir, – At the risk of pedantry, may I politely question the description, by the estimable Frank McNally, of JoAnn Falletta as "simultaneously the leader of the Ulster Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic" (An Irishman's Diary, November 22nd).
In fact, the leader (most important violin player) of the Irish orchestra is Tamás Kocsis. His Buffalo counterpart is Dennis Kim. Ms Falletta is the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic and concurrently principal conductor of the Ulster Orchestra.
Apart from the challenge of simultaneity in intercontinental baton-waving, who actually runs the show can be a matter of dispute.
An inexperienced conductor, rehearsing with the Vienna Philharmonic, chided them for not following his tempo.
The Konzertmeister (leader) responded dismissively, "If you're not careful, we will!" – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
Vienna.