Freelancers No More

A serious inaccuracy marred the otherwise excellent article by Mark Swed reviewing the growth of Los Angeles Opera under its retiring general director, Peter Hemmings (“The Architect of L.A. Opera,” May 21). The article refers to the opera’s orchestra as “freelance” and looks forward to the day when the opera can hire a “permanent orchestra.”

Swed is certainly entitled to his personal view that the orchestra is “inconsistent,” although that opinion contradicts the almost universal impression among the musically aware (including world-renowned guest conductors) that it is among the finest in the operatic world. For him, however, to call it “freelance” is simply not true.

Prior to 1995 that characterization would have been accurate. In that year, however, the union’s agreement with the opera established a basic permanent orchestra of “regular musicians” (currently 61 in number). Since that time the orchestra has had stable personnel chosen from the best musicians in Los Angeles--which is synonymous with the best in the world.

RICHARD Q. TOTUSEK

Vice president, Professional Musicians,

AFM Local 47, Hollywood