I HAD the good fortune to be present at York University central hall for the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra's ninth annual visit to York.

What an excellent evening the packed house of more than 1,000 witnessed. As described by reviewer Richard Foster, it was a feast of Scottish culture and served with great flair (April 25).

I have attended the SFO's previous eight concerts, which have all been at the Barbican. But Gateshead has been chosen for the 2006 concert because of the uncertainty surrounding the York venue.

The city council should get the Barbican sorted out quickly and let us have a concert hall of which to be proud and with the same, or more, seating.

Apparently, the university concert hall did not accommodate enough people who wanted to see the SFO's concert and we believe this is the main reason for the SFO not coming to York in 2006. But we could still have a chance in 2007 - if the Barbican is ready.

The SFO is special - we must not lose it.

R J Hields,

Melwood Grove, Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:13 Monday, May 02, 2005