Letter in the Stage -Lottery money should not be used for core funding February 27th 2025

The ‘Salute To Humphrey Lyttelton’ Tour November/December 2021 An ensemble of jazz musicians from the UK and USA embark on tour in November 2021, in celebration of the legendary trumpeter, band leader and BBC broadcaster Humphrey Lyttelton, on what would have been his 100th birthday anniversary year. Rising to prominence in the early 1950’s, Lyttelton’s…

Joshua Reynolds when he returned from his painter’s apprenticeship in Rome picked up a copy of Samuel Johnson’s biography of Richard Savage and read it “while he was standing with his arm leaning against a chimney-piece. It seized his attention so strongly, that, not being able to lay down the book until he had finished,…

Arts Council England has been conducting a “conversation” which is arts speak for consultation. The word that should have been used is debate. The consultation has been running for 12 weeks and concludes on the 12th April 2018. The Arts Council asked a number of questions under the following subject headings: Looking to the future…

In the Guardian on the 21st March 2018 there was an article, “Opera is many things to me. Elitist is not one of them”. Opera is not elitest as music it is the inequality of funding that sets it apart and one could argue that it is conspicuous consuption writ large with two opera houses…

On the 2nd April I wrote to the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport. My letter is printed below. “Dear Mr Whittingdale Re: The Culture White Paper I read the Culture White Paper and I have a number of comments that I trust you will find helpful. Perhaps it might help to explain…

Pete Allen – Newsletter August 2023 A couple of dates in August. The Newbury gig features the wonderful Shireen Francis, please see details below. A new album will be out shortly and there are details of my 45th anniversary as a band leader.August 2nd The Conservative Club, Sidmouth, 3pm to 5.30pm.  Admission £15 at the door, preferably by cash or cheque…