Challenged Reviewer

Is it asking too much for Mark Swed to mention the organization that pays all the bills to present the Kirov Orchestra and many other performances, plus providing him with a free seat (“Gergiev Commands Kirov in Fiery Wagner,” Nov. 16)? The Philharmonic Society of Orange County paid all the costs. He makes it sound like the Performing Arts Center was presenting it. All OCPAC does is add on a 5% surcharge to the tickets, making them cost more.

Swed should stick to reviewing (and not always so negative) and not talk about nonrelated items such as marketing and finances as in his review of Opera Pacific’s “Madama Butterfly.” People I talk with and I are tired of Swed’s “holier than thou” attitude, and being talked down to. Try being a little humble. You might even like it.

DONALD A. THOMPSON

Laguna Hills