How sad that people who love one form of music feel they have to diss another kind of music. Classical music has a lot of subsidy because orchestras and large ensembles, and operas and ballet (like theatre) are expensive things. To keep a 40 strong symphony orchestra on the road costs a hell of a lot more than a . In the past there would have been patronage for music from the aristocracy or rich merchants, in the more recent past there has been commercial sponsorship ... but in these tough times there's less of that about. So there's subsidy these days from the Arts Council - but that is rapidly shrinking too. You should be fighting for more support for all cultural forms, not just our own little corner.

Forget the stereotypes of classical music being the music of (a) the upper classes (b) musical snobs (c) so-called 'high status'or moneyed classes ... just LISTEN to it in all its huge, enthralling, intriguing, wonderful variety. Maybe there's some you don't like, but you're sure to find some you do.

I don't go for much 19th century stuff, but bring on Bach, Mozart, Handel and some earlier stuff and such giants of the 20th century as Vaughan Williams, Messaien, Britten, James MacMillan, Harrison Birtwhistle and Peter Maxwell Davies (have you heard his stuff with Northumbrian pipes: fab!)- and I'm in seventh heaven. Bring on Joseph Taylor, Walter Pardon, Micky Moscrop, Robert Forrester, Waterson:Carthy et all too and I'm probably in eighth heaven.

I have played, sung, danced and researched folk music for the past 35 years or more and obviously love it. I also love classical music (and my partner is a classical musician)and have played it in the past, and still sing in choirs. The Proms is a wonderful two month long festival which showcases the best of musics (I use the plural advisedly: it's a diverse set of musics)for everyone and anyone. If you can't get there you can listen on the radio, or watch on TV. I've only been twice, but each time the atmosphere was really something.

Don't close your minds: open your ears!

Sue