LETTERS

Watching Gustavo Dudamel on Saturday night at the Hollywood Bowl [“L.A. Welcomes Phil’s Dudamel With Joy,” by Reed Johnson and David Ng, Oct. 4] was one of the most joyous events I’ve witnessed at this famed venue -- and I’ve seen some pretty good ones!

Looking out over the sea of faces all gathered together, thanks to Target’s generosity, made me grateful for those who believe in the power of music.

Carolyn Clark

Newport Beach

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I’m a former editor at The Times and an admirer of Reed Johnson’s work, but I was distressed by a quote in his report on Gustavo Dudamel’s celebratory concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

Johnson quoted Venezuelan native and recent L.A. transplant Pilar Otaiza as saying Dudamel’s appointment would elevate the “self-esteem of Latinos” in Southern California. “It’s going to create a space for them to integrate into North American society.”

Perhaps Otaiza was referring to immigrants, but, if so, that important subtlety wasn’t pointed out by Johnson or his editors. And because Otaiza was the only Latino audience member quoted in the story, her overly broad statement was left to speak for L.A.’s entire Latino population, which includes a vast and well-established middle class.

Ironically, just two days prior, Johnson had reported on the Latino Welcome Committee, a volunteer organization of accomplished professionals who are hoping to rally Latino support for the philharmonic.

I suspect the self-esteem of those committee members -- like that of countless other successful Latinos here -- is doing just fine, thank you very much.

Oscar Garza

Silver Lake

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Hey, Calendar.

I understand Esa-Pekka has left.

Has the L.A. Phil named a successor?

Just wondering.

Jerome S. Kleinsasser

Bakersfield

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It’s wonderful to read about the excitement Dudamel’s arrival has created. Isn’t it a shame that this event is occurring at the same time that Los Angeles is experiencing the destruction of the arts in our public schools? Isn’t it shocking that our own country fails to value culture and the arts as part of a basic education?

As a retired music teacher, I have a fear that arts education will come to a halt now that the new arts high school has opened.

If you really want to lift children to greater heights socially, emotionally and academically, then provide all, not a selected few, with the opportunity to discover their hidden talents.

Sari Rynew

Studio City