While the desire expressed by Sir Simon Rattle and others for a new concert hall is understandable (Report, 18 January), I wonder if it is really relevant to the UK as it stands. The population is multiracial, practising and supporting a wide variety of different kinds of music, not just the western orchestral, chamber music and recital repertory. This would apply not only across arts spectrum but in scientific research. What we need are new centres that can house diverse kinds of music, exhibitions, literary events, science demonstrations etc. These would also have a close relationship with schools and colleges, helping to build a community steeped in and sympathetic to new creative ideas of all kinds. Socially this would be far more harmonious and might even stimulate fresh cross-cultural exchange.
Meirion Bowen
London
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