Ruth, I don't think status should come into it. It's another music to be listened to, participated in and enjoyed. I too have worked on outreach projects with classical musicians, and one orchestra in my day job in arts development. And we had some fantastic successes: classical musicians working with adults with severe learning difficulties for example, and a 'Cobweb Orchestra' - as in 'blow the cobwebs off your music stand' and get your instrument out of the attic - for all comers, of all ages, any instruments (flautists would play first violin parts etc etc) which is still on the go some ten years late.

Yes I do agree that, although I do know some keen youngsters, when I go to concerts there is a preponderance of middle class, grey haired people. It's the same at the literature festival I help to organise. Some of that's down to money, but much is down to people's perceptions or misconceptions ... and most of all I think to education or lack of it. Kids do far less singing and playing and listening to different forms of music (especially classical and folk) than when I was at school. Play them some Maxwell Davies I say - and get Max on telly talking to kids (he did Blue Peter some years ago I remember) Make playing instruments and singing really fun - in any genre - and things would really improve. But you need to spend money on specialist music teachers in primary schools to start with ... so as always it comes down to money.

Orchestras are trying to be more accessible these days and work in other ways. Northern Sinfonia share The Sage at Gateshead with Folkworks, and there's lots of education work going on there. Maybe that's a good model for the rest of the country.

Sue