Letter: Rattle is advancing steadily

NORMAN Lebrecht is talking through his metropolitan hat ("The disappearing maestros", Sunday Review, 14 May). How can he possibly say Simon Rattle has not "advanced much"? A knighthood, a growing touring schedule with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in response to international demand, best-selling CDs ... not advanced much?

Since Lebrecht regards the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as "provincial" ("regional" is much more accurate, since even London is a region), small wonder he overlooks the talent of Carlo Rizzi, music director of Welsh National Opera.

And there is no mention of 19-year-old Daniel Harding, assistant to Rattle but carving out an international career in his own right.

Christopher Morley

Halesowen, West Midlands