If everyone else liked the music...

The article by Mark Swed on the Israeli Philharmonic’s performance in Los Angeles was obviously political [“What Sort of Outreach?” Feb. 8]: There are two references noting composers who were Jewish and converted to Christianity, given out of historic context.

The photos chosen of the two conductors are extremely unflattering. There are phrases like, “Israel’s troubles travel with its orchestra” and “Mehta conducted in his best command-the-troops manner. The troops more or less followed ...”

Swed is insulting in his overall condemnation of the playing. Though he has every right to not like the orchestra’s performance or the conductors interpretation, the question arises, “How is it that New Yorkers, who are hypercritical about their music, and critics from other cities around the world, welcome this orchestra for its fine work?”

I quote from last week’s New York Times: “If the choice of music had little to sit us up straight, this is still a fascinating orchestra to hear.”

Editors need not approve this type of cheap shots in music reviews.

JOANNA ALONI BOLDON

Encino

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Were we at the same concert? The audience cheered and loved it. Endless curtain calls spoke of enthusiasm, not ennui. Perhaps it was not a good day for Mark Swed.

DANA SCHWARTZ

Beverly Hills