Ralph Taylor accused the Sussex Symphony Orchestra of "jumping on the bandwagon" and capitalising upon the tragedies in the US in its proposed performance of an all-American programme of music on October 6 (September 26).

I have to stress this concert was planned some 18 months ago and the programme fixed then.

We are in no way whatsoever trifling with the emotions of anyone who may have been touched or affected by the horrendous events.

Indeed, there are several players within the orchestra who know people who lost their lives, friends and business colleagues.

I have spoken with many who were there and have seen for myself the devastation of both buildings and lives.

So deep is the wish to help in some way, neither the orchestra nor St Bartholomew's Church is taking no fee for this performance, which enables us, combined with a retiring collection, to donate as much as we can to the relief fund recently set up.

I am truly sorry there has obviously been some thought we are being opportunistic when we are being just the reverse.

-Mark Andrew James, MANDREWJAMES@aol.com