Musical theatre is much more than Lloyd-Webber and there is no better performer than Michael Ball whose range is quite incredible, recently quoted as the greatest musical theatre voice of his generation, he can sing any song and play any part. Music does not need to be of the classical genre to be intellegent and inspiring. If you don't like it in London then please put it on up here for us regional 'proles' who are not so jaded.

Carpline Peter, Aberdeen, Scotland

What next? A rendition of the Beastie Boys' Fight For the Right to Party, conducted by Lala Teletubby, perhaps? As far as Lloyd Webber being an equal of Beethoven, he's not fit to tie his shoelaces.

Mike Wedge, Barnard Castle, UK

Having read the headline I was all prepared to wade into the musical snobbery of those criticising the inclusion of musical theatre in the Proms programme.

However, I am also aghast at the suggestion that Lloyd-Webber material will be featured. I am not particularly a fan of musical theatre but from my working life as a musician I know much great music from that idiom from the likes of Sondheim, Weill and Rogers & Hammerstein. With plenty of good quality music like that to fill a performance with, the inclusion of Lloyd-Webber is totally unnecessary and I can't argue with the description of it as 'dumbing down'.

Dan Moriyama, London,

Surely, if quoted correctly, Mr Kenyon might even have meant that at his best Beethoven was an equal of Lloyd-Webber. On a slightly less facetious note, it is great that access to the Proms is being broadened. We have had jazz nights and world music nights before so no harm done. But why apart from the Last Night are the proms restricted to London. Surely Henry Wood would've liked to see the regional proles and not just us urban sophisticates uplifted through good music too.

Robert Grundy, London,

I'm sure ALW doesn't equate with Beethaoven, even at his best, but there are some great MT tunes, by a variety of composers. I do agree with Mr Kenyon on the commitment to quality. If they were to have anyone who is not strictly regarded as a classical performer, the Michael Ball is a great choice. He can sing a wide variety of music, and has sung with ENO and NYO so has classical credentials. I for one am looking forward to this concert along with others from the Proms series.

C Kitchen, Hull, UK

If Mr. Kenyon really believes that Mr. Lloyd-Webber "at his best" is an equal of Beethoven, then it is quite easy to feel some relief that this is his final season as director of the Promenade Concerts - but also some fear for the future programming at the Barbican Centre.

Michael Knight, Geneva, Switzerland