Requiescat In Aeternum

After reading this "new strategic plan" for the Philadelphia Orchestra for emerging from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy, we feel a saner, decidedly more honorable plan would be for the Philadelphia Orchestra to convert that Chapter 11 into a Chapter 7 and have done with it — permanently. A Philadelphia Orchestra committed to a "cutback in concerts, from 92 to 78," and a "shifting of repertoire to include light classics ... Broadway music, film scores, and other pop genres" performed "in an environment that is more theatrical" is no Philadelphia Orchestra at all but a burlesque of a symphony orchestra. Better to close shop permanently leaving intact the memory of past glories unsullied by a shameful capitulation to the demands and vulgarities of a ravening pop culture and its equally vulgar public.

Farewell, orchestra of our youth! Requiescat in aeternum.