In the UK the Lottery fund has decided to donate $11.5 million to the
National Gallery for a 9" x 11" painting by Raphael.  This is so the
painting may be kept in the UK rather go to the USA.  Am I alone in
thinking this is mad?  Raphael may be a great artist but the National
Gallery already have a few Raphaels.  Imagine if $11.5 million was spent
on music instead.  This would probably fund a large number of performances
of neglected British works.  I believe the Proms costs around $1.5 million
just to give an idea.

Tim Horwood
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