In a remarkably candid statement to members of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee, the former Head of the Arts Council has told MPs that she would ‘rather listen to a brass band’, than opera.

Arts spending

Dame Liz Forgan was replying to questions about government arts spending, and to opera in particular — stating that she found funding for companies and organisations such as the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to be, ‘...an exception to all the rules. It is completely bizarre.’

No question

An earlier response saw her state: ‘Brass bands can be as excellent as opera, no question. Indeed of you ask me, I’d rather listen to a brass band.’

The Daily Mail newspaper reported the story under the headline, ‘Give money to brass bands says ex-arts boss’ — although nowhere in the report or in other publications was Dame Liz Forgan actually quoted as stating the phrase herself.

Funds

Dame Liz did go on to say that the Royal Opera House was ‘a beacon of excellence’, but she did feel that opera companies should be forced to raise their own private money rather than rely so heavily on public funds, which according to figures in the past five years alone has amounted to £347million, where as brass bands have received £1.8million.

Brass bands can be as excellent as opera, no question. Indeed of you ask me, I’d rather listen to a brass bandDame Liz Forgan

Step down

Her recent acrimonious departure from her post after being asked to step down by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has seen her gain fans as well as critics in recent months – with the Daily Telegraph highlighting a recent drinks party reception at the British Museum which they stated cost the taxpayer over £8,000, although her leaving present from the Arts Council was a painting bearing the slogan, ‘I believe in Liz Forgan.’