I few weeks ago I went to Royal Albert Hall in London: a photo of the Simon Bolivar Venezuelan Youth Orchestra is displayed together of the ones of Tony Bennett, Beyonce, Ella Fitzgerald, Bolshoi Ballet and other big names of the modern artistic world. As a venezuelan citizen it is a big proud been represented there showing that we also have good things to offer to the world!

I am always happy to hear coverage of classical music. Thank you for introducing us to the LA Philharmonic's new conductor and for emphasizing the importance of helping young people to play and enjoy the classics.

I do have a criticism, though. Your story gave the impression that orchestra outreach to schools is a new brain-child of the new conductor. That does an injustice to other orchestras that might serve less flashy cities but have been doing god's work (or Mozart's) for years. The St. Louis Symphony has been doing community outreach for over a decade:
http://www.slso.org/cp/index.htm . Go SLSO!

Thank you.