Daniel Beland responds to Andrys Basten:

>>Here are two stories that indicate most of the musicians do not want
>>this and that this move will harm the orchestra tremendously for
>>various reasons.
>
>From a short-term perspective, this is true.  But in the long run, this
>could prove beneficial to the orchestra.

I also believe it will be beneficial all around.  Holding the same
position for the same organization for almost 25 years tends to lead to
stale attitudes and approaches.  Dutoit has his ways, his strengths, and
his weaknesses; both he and the MSO could use an infusion which will be
accomplished through Dutoit's departure.

Obviously, the MSO has become much stronger in the repertoire that Dutoit
favors but at the expense of much of the central repertoire which Dutoit
has little affinity for.  Now, the MSO can take the insights it learned
from Dutoit and move forward through the strengths it will accumulate
through a different director.  It should be good for the orchestra, Dutoit,
and the folks who attend MSO concerts.  The best attitude to have here is
to look forward to the change.

Trying to get the pulse on the orchestra members' views about Dutoit's
departure is probably a waste of time.  These views will differ, and
the departure is happening anyways.

Don Satz