Letter: Opera dilemma

Sir: David Lister, in his article on the plight of the Royal Opera House in general and Sir Bernard Haitink in particular ("Opera director's last stand falls flat", 12 October), fails to mention the catastrophe facing a host of talented musicians, scenery artists, lighting crew, costume designers and makers and all the other behind-the-stage staff who will be thrown to the job-seekers' queue by the unforgivable, if it is confirmed, closure of the house. They have to eat, pay the rent and support their families without the financial reserves probably available to the chairman and the board. Chris Smith should spare them a thought - better still, a re-think.

LESLIE MEIGH

Manchester