IF proof were needed of the moneyed elite expected to be attracted to the forthcoming York Early Music Christmas Festival one need look no further than the recommended list of hotels featured on the publicity leaflet alongside the concert details.

The likes of Middlethorpe Hall, Dean Court or Royal York, among others - none of which could be said to be renowned for their budget accommodation - would seem to be the ideal choice for those whose pockets are deep enough to cover the adventurous cost of admission to most of the events on offer.

Even the concessionary rates quoted near the full ticket prices do not represent a noticeable saving. This means those music-lovers who may have liked to attend find themselves denied the chance to appreciate what early music has to offer, not because of any lack of intellectual awareness on their part, but simply because of the size of their wallets.

This festival could be so much more of a potent celebration of early music than the sequence of restricted highbrow soirees it currently represents, if only its organisers could tear themselves away from the dearly-held myth that only the affluent middle classes are capable of enjoying this type of musical experience.

Dr K Davis,

Mason's Court,

Cockermouth, Cumbria.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, December 13, 2001