A leading conductor has spoken out about the previously reported problems classical music performers are experiencing as a result of the tough security rules that have been introduced since that alleged terrorist threat was revealed last month. As previously reported, musicians traveling by plane are being told they have to put their instruments in the hold because of the new hand luggage rules, but many aren't that keen to put their priceless instruments in with all the other luggage, and as a result are unable to take their instruments out of the country. Either they have to travel by land and sea, or play with other instruments, or just not play.
Conductor Mark Elder used this weekend's Last Night Of The Proms to speak out about the problem. He said: "The one aspect of the situation that really affects us here on the platform is the enormous difficulty that so many musicians are having at the moment in travelling by plane into this country and out of it. I think we would all agree that the time has come really to put an end to this unfairness. Otherwise it seems to me that next year we should all look forward to 'Concerto for Laptop and Orchestra'."
Despite reassurances from the government's Department Of Cultural Things that they are looking into the problem, the Department For Transport - who control the rules - doesn't seem that keen to budge on the issue.