Philharmonic in Paris: World Series of Arts

In past and present weeks, Mark Swed has written admirably about the acclaim received by the Los Angeles Philharmonic in France as part of the Stravinsky Festival, but not a word about it on the front page of the paper. This in contrast to sports, win or lose (poor blue Dodgers). My obvious point is that the importance that readers give local institutions and events depends on the exposure given to them in the media. We receive international recognition for our performing groups, artists and centers for fine arts. Would it be too much to find on the front page, “L.A. Philharmonic Triumphs in Paris; See Calendar Section”?

STERLING HUM

Sherman Oaks

What makes Times music critic Mark Swed think Disney Concert Hall would be a lesser disaster acoustically than the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, let alone the sonic equal of Paris’ Chatelet Theater? (“Philharmonic Makes No Mistakes as Tourist,” Calendar, Oct. 8).

Frankly, the L.A. Philharmonic might be better served by modeling its new hall after an acoustically proven design like Boston’s Symphony Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall or even Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw.

Although it’s not trend-setting L.A.’s style to emulate anybody, a tried-and-true design would be preferable to another round of architectural roulette.

At the very least, let’s make sure Disney Hall’s designers have done their acoustical homework.

DOUGLAS E. ROLLINS

Quartz Hill