Donald Satz waxes:

>I am somewhat hesitant to bring this subject up, because women have
>certainly been discriminated against concerning their opportunities as
>composers and musicians.  The Women's Philharmonic has provided women
>composers and musicians outlets to display their talents - that's all to
>the good.

I couldn't agree more.

>However, it all leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  "Group identity"
>creates the discrimination, then it is used to correct the discrimination.

This is the problem in my mind, too.

>Where does it end? Regardless of the source, we create and maintain
>judgements of individuals based on their identity as part of a particular
>group - that is not good.  At its worst extreme, this process results in
>genocide.

Gendercide?

>I would think that in an enlightened society, each member is judged solely
>on individual criteria.  How can we get to that point when we are all
>lumping individuals together as part of larger groupings?

This is a touchy one.  Why must we separate ourselves from one another in
order to come together? I am not opposed to the WPO.  I think Marin Alsop
is cool and a good conductor.  [Hey, Marin--Make some More Recordings!!!]
I am also heartened to hear that the soloists and composers performed are
not exclusively female.  This is great.  But how many uh, private parts
would fly if I started a "Men's Philharmonic"? I shudder to think...

Bob K.