SIR,—With reference to the letters appearing in your issue of
April loth under the signature of " Private Soldier " and " Another Private Soldier," might I be allowed to say a few words?
With regard to the complaint of "Private Soldier " that he has not had the opportunity of seeing one of the " good music " concerts arranged by Mr. Walter Legge on behalf of Ensa, this is his misfortune. A large number of these concerts go out from Drury Lane Headquarters, in which first-class music is sung and played by first-class artists, but it is not pretended by anyone that they can appear everywhere all the time, or indeed with as much frequency as Ensa would wish. Many con- siderations govern this—largely that of finance. There is also the question of transportation, for in order to get a good programme of good music a good piano is necessary, and those found in the canteens or huts in which the lonely soldiers are situated are not as a rule qualified to be called good. But as much is done to provide first-class music as the limitations imposed upon Ensa in respect of finance and transport will allow. Symphony orchestras have been formed in most Commands, and are very popular. Quite recently the Sadler's Wells Opera Company played for two weeks at a small garrison theatre and broke all records. It will surely be understood that an operatic company such as this, with its attendant orchestra, could not possibly appear in the very restricted accommodation which obtains in isolated parts of the country. But to meet the needs of this kind, first-class programmes composed of gramo- phone records can be supplied on application to the Ensa Musical Adviser of the Command.—Yours faithfully, W. MACQUEEN-POPE, Public Relations Officer.
Department of National Service Entertainment.
Headquarters : Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, W.C. 2. [This correspondence is now closed.—En., The Spectator.]
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