Cultural asset

In response to the March 8 story “Classical Music Concerts Often Just Too Long” — this always depends on who you ask. The people who nearly fill Heinz Hall for each concert appear to fully enjoy every offering by our superb orchestra and to agree with the program selections. In fact, most items generate standing ovations and enthusiastic applause.

I do recall several times when a few people left at intermission after having heard a contemporary composition, which they obviously came to hear specifically. In this regard, many of our programs also include contemporary music that needs to be heard, but we must realize that the reason so many traditional compositions have survived is because people enjoyed hearing them. Hundreds of pieces from the past did not survive just because audiences did not like them. We really enjoy hearing beautiful pieces of music again from time to time.

Although professional sports teams are much more easily financed in our country, we need to remember that a world-renowned orchestra like our symphony constitutes a major cultural asset of the greater Pittsburgh metropolis, to benefit our longrange regional outlook. It is worth supporting.

Are our concerts really too long? The answer is a resounding “no,” if you see the people who come to Heinz Hall one whole hour early just to hear the expert concert preview talks, and the even larger crowds who remain after each concert to hear a special chamber music gem played onstage when one is offered.

JOHN H. FEIST

Oakland