Inspiring others

I found David Lipsey’s feature on sponsoring young musicians (Pay it Forward, January) inspiring. His description of first meeting Kerem Hasan at a fundraiser for retired greyhounds was especially endearing, as the youngster suddenly displayed outstanding musical talent that was later to flower under the guidance of maestros like Bernard Haitink. His grateful account of the way the musicianship of another discovery of his, Iyad Sughayer, provided invaluable solace during his recent illness was also deeply moving. And the brief coda brought a lump to my throat: a simple statement that Lord Lipsey was donating his fee for the article to the Young Concert Artists Trust. It is salutary to be reminded that there are politicians, as well as musicians, who honour the nobility of their calling, which is to use the best of their abilities to enhance other people’s lives.

Neil Sinyard, Saxby All Saints