Readers React: Kids and classical music get center stage at the Super Bowl

To the editor: It energized my soul to read on the front page that the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles conducted by Gustavo Dudamel will perform at the Super Bowl during halftime. (“Gustavo Dudamel and Youth Orchestra L.A.’s Super Bowl halftime show will be a win for the arts,” Jan. 29)

We are inundated by vitriolic behavior in every aspect of our lives, and the media promote this. Of course we love to watch the physical contact of football and beam at the millions poured into the biggest pot of gold, the Super Bowl. But perhaps the experience of watching and hearing at-risk youth perform beautiful music will change our barbaric spirit, if only for a short time.

As a former middle school teacher who incorporated the arts into history and literature lessons, I have seen the impact this makes on our perception of life. Thank you, Mr. Dudamel. Let’s hope this is the beginning of change for our country and our world.

Dee White, Dana Point

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To the editor: The Times’ classical music critic, Mark Swed, says the distinction between pop culture and classical is “phony.” Well, I guess if one considers movie scores and “minimalist” orchestral pieces to be classical music, he’s right.

Ray Sherman, Duarte

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