It’s wonderful to read such a robust defence of classical music (Classical music brings us joy and meaning. In this time of doom and gloom, we need to talk about that, 26 January). And that is that we can only make this kind of music with others and not by ourselves alone. We need each other to play a symphony. The connection between classical music and global politics isn’t immediately obvious – but the invaluable experience gained through playing this music together provides a much-needed antidote to the prevailing zeitgeist of “me first” and divisiveness that is dragging our world to its knees.