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Twenty years ago, when I lived in Los Angeles, I was a frequent guest at Betty Freeman's Beverly Hills salons. They were extraordinary events: musicians, often the composers themselves, played new works, there was time for discussion, and then her Italian husband served a pasta supper to everyone present, often as many as 50 people. An informal store, for cassette tapes and CDs, was set up on the dining-room table. I owe my familiarity with, and enthusiasm for, contemporary music to Betty Freeman, whose guest bathroom had amazing photographs of naked artists hanging in it. Bravo to Alan Rich for organizing and curating these events, and to Betty for hosting them.

With regard to funding the arts during economic decline: During the Great Depression, FDR did a great deal to fund the arts through the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Terribly important. Diego Rivera was among those who did work under the auspices of the WPA. Ansel Adams may have been, too. And a great deal was done in this time to record traditional American music (e.g., Alan Lomax).

What do you think of Ryan Barry's proposal for the NYCO? He's a blogger who is nominating himself as director of NYCO with some interesting proposals for the company.

http://countercritic.com/

The program Paul Kellogg had for NYCO was perfect. A lovely selection of operas including Baroque and 20th Century; one Gilbert and Sullivan and one Broadway each season. We loved and hope it is continued.