The comments in the letter have been sparked by Chancellor George Osborne’s announcement that athletes competing at the London Athletics Grand Prix would not face any punitive taxes on earnings they make in the UK. Signed by directors and executives including Michael Eakin from the RLPO, John Gilhooly from Wigmore Hall and Leslie East from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, the letter also states that major concerts and festivals are no different in cultural importance to the Champions League Final or the London Athletics Grand Prix. The letter said: ” Our major cultural events and festivals are no less relevant than the Champions League Final or the London Athletics Grand Prix. If we are seeking to establish a legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games, we should be doing all we can to sustain the legacy of the Cultural Olympiad as well.” Drawing a comparison with visiting sports stars and athletes who are exempt from withholding tax, the letter takes issue with the “aggress tax regime for visiting musicians and artists.” You can read the full letter here .