and speaking of music:

Yesterday's L.A. Times had a front-page story on the baton pass from Esa-Pekka Salonen to Gustavo Dudamel, effective in 2009. Not the front page of the arts section. The Front Page.

Dudamel's first conducting gig with the Phil caused quite a positive stir. Salonen wants to spend more time composing, though he will still conduct (of course). So, there you go.

This leads me to wonder whether the Pacific Chorale's relationship was with the L.A. Phil, or with Salonen. If the former, we'll probably still be the go-to chorus for anything Dudamel winds up programming that requires choral forces. If the latter, then maybe the upcoming performance of Alexander Nevsky will be my only shot at the Disney Hall stage.

Either way, it looks like the players are happy.