Strange - I just interviewed Wolfgang Sawallisch - and he mentioned that he would prefer for the Philadelphia Orchestra to program more new works by American composers - being an American orchestra and all (they're performing Hanson's Sym No2 - the romantic one I believe in Malaysia in May) and that they're not exclusively limiting themselves to 20th century music. I doubt the audiences would take too kindly to minimalistic 20th century. Since I'm already scribbling this....a question to performers (conductors, artists and orchestra memebers) and general audience - are Asian audiences too lenient??? Everytime I attend a concert here in Asia, I feel cheated, the performers (well known ones) are at best mediocre...Alagna cracked while singing and yet the audience was overwhelmingly supportive. While it must be good for the performers ego, I feel that the audience is getting less than it should. I think that audience in England are a lot more selective...and this makes the performer try his best. What say you?? cheers, anu