Greg Anderson
DeMain: 'I think this music is something we're all entitled to experience.'
Editor's note: In a recent column, Wall Street Journal arts critic Terry Teachout asked: "What, if anything, justifies the existence of a regional symphony orchestra in the 21st century? Many people still believe that an orchestra is a self-evidently essential part of what makes a city civilized. But is this true?" He continued: "If the only way for [regional orchestras] to stay alive is by switching to slickly packaged schlock, they'd be better off dead."
We mentioned these provocative statements to someone we were sure would have opinions about them: John DeMain, music director of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Here is his response.
for civic pride. You have it because of what it brings to the community, and I'm not talking about going to concerts now. I really believe it's not just concert attendance that creates the case for regional orchestras. The
