Nicholas J. Yasillo: >With all due respect, I'd question Ms. Pierce's perceived ethnic >stereotypes. Great Britain (the source of more rock bands per square >kilometer than anywhere but the U.S.) seems to be having problems just >like everyone else supporting its symphony orchestras, while, in Japan, >the demand for tickets to a touring Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert >(always sold-out in Japan) may fetch ticket prices 4 to 5 times the >(already very high) prices we pay in Chicago (where a 80% full house >is a good night). Thank you for your insights into the various cultures I mentioned in my comment. I guess I have seen the pop music/ r&r types of music depicted in movies and TV. I am glad to know that some still enjoy going to the classical music performances anywhere. I thought most European and other nations had subsidies for their arts programs unlike the SO's of the USA. Thank you for clarifying me. Jane