Not enough musicians to go around

The leader of the UAE's only philharmonic orchestra says in a letter that there's no room for a second one. Other letter topics: housing in Brazil, the Syrian veto, Madonna, and democracy.

Philipp Maier, shown conducting a rehearsal of the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra, writes in a letter to the editor that the UAE does not have enough musicians for two symphony orchestras. Randi Sokoloff for The NationalShow less

I refer to Welcome the United Arab Emirates National Symphony Orchestra (February 6).

After six years of hard work as conductor and musical and artistic director of the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra, I must say that in a country with no orchestral history and a small music scene, there is simply no space for two symphony orchestras.

We simply do not have enough musicians to make even one orchestra work consistently. I know the proposed line-up of this UAE National Symphony Orchestra; to be honest it is really a slightly enlarged string complement.

Currently in the UAE we have, for example, no French horn players performing to a high standard.

I have been searching for Emirati musicians for six years. We will never have Emiratis playing orchestral instruments unless we showcase a regular and permanent resident orchestra. The UAE Philharmonic has fulfilled this role.

Andy Berryman's claim that "we can do this all here in the UAE" does simply not match the facts. Another orchestral project can only dilute our thin resources, confuse audiences and stretch the schedules of our few professional musicians.

Philipp Maier, Al Ain

Brazilians deserve better housing

I agree that in today's Brazil no one expects "luxury lifestyles for all" (Cracks in Brazil's impressive facade, February 7). But dignity for all is not too much to ask.

Brazil's government has done well to create jobs and expand their economy. But it is sad to see Brazil not benefiting from domestic and international investors in the property sector, resulting in the housing problems you list.

Brazil's apparently unstoppable economy should be reflected in design and construction taking into account functional, technical, social, environmental and aesthetic considerations.

Once Vitruvius stated that a 'good' building should satisfy three basics: durability, utility and beauty. These are not too much to ask from today's decision makers: client, contractor and designer.

Gaye Caglayan, Dubai

Russia, China face fallout over veto

I refer to your editorial Syria veto is a sign that UNSC reforms overdue (February 9).

Yes it was disappointing that Russia and China vetoed the UN Security Council's proposal to stop the bloodshed in Syria.

But at the same time it is good to see that there is a democratic process at the world level. Whatever the motives, the world must respect the decision of both countries.

But certainly they must brace themselves for the fallout: their diplomats may no longer be welcomed in countries with strong views against the Syrian crisis.

And do the people of Russia and China back the decision of their governments?

In my opinion the rest of the world should continue to apply pressure on the Syrian regime.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Madonna in June will be a hot ticket

So Madge is coming to Abu Dhabi (Madonna's official MDNA tour dates announced, February 5). It's like a prayer come true. But in June?

Big-name concerts here are in vogue. Flash have delivered again and I hope the Material Girl does too. It's going to be a hot one, that's for sure, on stage and off.

Will I be going? I would like to say yes but the heat will make it borderline.

Ian Walker, Abu Dhabi

Democracy is gaining support

The opinion article Democracy in the Gulf must be given time (February 9) had all of the ingredients, rightly phrased. Democracy is slowly attracting people in this part of the world. The social equality it offers is being embraced. Youth in this part of world, educated and demanding, wants to be involved.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

TV advert showed US frustration

Chrysler's Halftime in America Super Bowl advert, with Clint Eastwood, was an inspired piece of corporate messaging. The imagery and scripting were as good as it gets.

Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne tells us that the words were Mr Eastwood's own, which makes it all the more compelling.

A brief but poignant reference to the dysfunctional state of the American partisan political landscape succinctly captured the frustration of the American people. Catch it on YouTube; it's worth a look.

Terrence Bramble, Dubai