Klarinet Archive - Posting 000122.txt from 2004/01

From: Neil Leupold <leupold_1@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Re: Dallas arts funding
Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2004 15:02:19 -0500

> The "they" was a cheap shot that doesn't necessarily reflect the truth about
> those that "pay down there"....here. I'm always curious about why people
> make statements like that one.

Call it what you will. You've obviously heard it before from others, which is not surprising,
perhaps even from people who have resided in Dallas for 20+ years, like I have. I lived there for
four years myself. It's not a universal opinion, of course, but there appears to be such an
emphasis on money and image throughout the local culture, the "impressive" amounts of money spent
on concert halls and opera houses suggests more "bling bling" than a move toward greater artistic
education or integrity. It isn't like this in Fort Worth, Austin, or Houston. Dallas is somehow
unique among cities in Texas with good orchestras.

I sat through many DSO concerts, and performed on the stage of the Meyerson Symphony Center
several times. When it came to watching DSO concerts, it was sometimes as if Litton was
conducting a different concert than the one being performed in front of him. Speaking with Girko
(before he was drummed out) and Garner and Runk, each player individually confirmed that the
orchestra occasionally doesn't pay attention to Litton at all, because his direction isn't clear
or effective. I had the same experience trying to appreciate their music from the audience seats.
Similar sentiments were expressed in casual conversation with other players, including DSO
principal horn Greg Hustis.

> I'm guessing you have some contempt for those patrons that support the arts groups "down here".

You're guessing wrong, of course, because the concert hall ticket purchasers aren't the ones
paying for it. You make a telling statement while attempting to praise the community for its
support of the arts:

>> Many of these same people...are privately funding a 275 million dollar opera hall (ground to
break next year...most of the money already raised.....very little public funding)....<<

No public funding -- not the same people. It would be gratifying if the public were, in fact,
responsible for the money that pays for places like the Meyerson and the coming new opera house.
It might help to diffuse the prevailing feeling that artistic institutions in Dallas are erected
to *fabricate* a sense of local culture, as opposed to emanating from (and being reflective of)
it. It's not a cheap shot to say things like this when the residents themselves confirm it, which
plenty do. Again, there is something unique about Dallas in this regard.

> I'm pretty happy with what "they" are willing to "pay for" here in Dallas.

Of course you are. It's your bread & butter. Different perspective.

>> Litton has submitted his resignation letter and will be gone 2006. He is a very fine musician.
His conducting is florid. Oh well. The musicians in the orchestra play well....with any
conductor. <<

True, that last part. I've never felt that Litton and the DSO were a good fit for each other and,
much like a talented instrumentalist struggling against equipment that doesn't naturally suit
them, perhaps the DSO will form a more mutually enriching bond with the next leader they bring to
the podium.

Neil

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