LA Law

I'm reminded of the old broken kettle joke...

Sorry, next time I'll respond to what you meant to say instead of what you said. Unfortunately, your column's larger point--that the average American conductor is now "pushing 70" (already false)--is even more inaccurate now that Salonen has stepped down in favor of 26-year-old Dudamel.

NL replies: Not inaccurate, nor even inconsistent. Read
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aXFusypfikPc&refer=muse

Mr. L., you're wrong. Commenter "Huh?" is correct. According to the L.A. Times, E-P S is stepping down from the LA Phil, but not leaving California. Awaiting your correction!

NL: And what makes you think the LA Times is right?

Anyway, where he lives is irrelevant. He's leaving the job, which I predicted accurately and the LA Times did not.

"Some months ago, I reported that Esa-Pekka Salonen was joining London's Philharmonia Orchestra as music director and, in doing so, was preparing to leave California."

You were wrong then, and you're wrong now. He's not leaving California, he's staying. What he's doing is what he's said openly for several years that he would do--leave the podium to concentrate on composing. Get a grip.

NL replies:
Hello? Anybody home? How many times does E-P have to say he's leaving the LA Phil for people to believe him? Neat touch, though, to leave just as the NY Phil comes free.