Just stick to the music, please

We’ve been Hollywood Bowl subscribers for over 30 years and are fully aware of the technical shortcomings of the arena [“Slatkin and Beethoven Overcome the Trivial,” July 13]. Yet we stay with it because it is one of the joys of the year to be outdoors and hear accomplished musicians play the classics.

But I don’t recall a snottier review of a program. Mark Swed should really stick to reviewing the music, which he seems to find doleful. Maybe he should seek employment at an East Coast newspaper, so that he can review Tanglewood in peace.

Reviewing food services and patrons’ actions are not within the purview of a music review. Taking Leonard Slatkin to task is way above the capabilities of Swed. If he can’t abide the ambience of the Bowl, put him out of his misery and confine him to indoor venues.

PHIL ISAACS

Los Angeles