I didn't get this impression--most of the emphasis was on women getting a career of their choice, not necessarily one in the business world. I can understand, of course, that most people do think "business" is synonymous with success (and think of the salaries!); but I don't think feminism put more pressure on that than men (or women) get from society itself. No, I think it's something inside of the classical music community itself. After all, in other kinds of music--say, pop singers--and, in functions other than directors, even in classical music, it is not difficult to find many female talents.

...and Vitka Kapralova, for that matter, was a conductor herself, and a praised one. Too bad she died too young.

Do you ever have any original opinions or do you just wait for everyone else to weigh in before you crtiique, correct and deconstruct their letters. Has it ever occured to you that always agreeing with the "feminist" point of view could be interpreted as sexist and condescending because you give the impression that women and the women's movement are too intellectually frail to handle unflattering comments? There is a false tone to most of your letters. You seem, above all, to want to be liked by the women columnist here as evidenced by you pathetic attempt to start some kind of cyber relationship with one of the columnist. Of course, I'm sure you're only interested in her mind. You are the worst kind male chauvinist--a fake feminist.

JoAnn Falletta has been conductor of the Buffalo (NY) Philharmonic for ten years now. Sometimes it seems that cities that have fallen behind are actually ahead of things...

I've heard that trombonist story, and it's unbelievable. Not to take anything away from women being denied jobs in classical music, but such discrimination is everywhere in the entertainment fireld (and orchestras are, in the end, vehicles of entertainment). I play bass in jazz and pop realms, and I guarantee that it would be easier for me to get gigs if I was a woman; here is an ad from today's craigslist musicians section (SF bay area:

The Ms. K.I.A. Chronicle's Project seeks a woman of color bass player for an established theater cabaret and band. This project seeks a talented bass player who can work collaboratively, cooperatively and collectively. The Ms. K.I.A. band will begin playing out in November 2008 and the play will run again in November 2009. Must be willing, able and comfortable playing a diverse set of musical styles. The ability to transcribe, site read and compose is a huge plus! Must be willing to tour. This is a paid job. Auditions will be held at Soundwave studio's in Oakland. Please check out youtube and myspace links to get a sense of the project. www.youtube.com/pippafleming or www.myspace.com/pippafleming. To read more about the director www.pippafleming.com. Please e-mail at pippa@pippafleming.com or call Pippa Fleming on 510/712-3242 to schedule an audition. Auditions will take place between the last week in September or the first week of October. You do not have to be lesbian or queer identified to audition just open minded and non-homophobic.

There you go.

......

What? Seriously.....

What?

"Could it be that because "feminists" have placed so much emphasis on making huge salaries in the corporate world that they have failed to encourage young women to consider lower-paying (but, possibly far more satisfying and useful) careers in the arts?"

Ummm, you might have missed the memo, but orchestra conductors? Make a lot of money. They were pretty much a big deal before capitalism was even invented (see Bach - any of the Bach's - J.S., C.P.E., etc.) Ooo, and hey, but there have been women making a musical splash before capitalism too (at least look up Laura Schumann). This issue is so, so much bigger than the little bit of feminism you've experienced in your recent years.

I agree with the rest of your statement, and didn't feel the need to comment. But:

"Dear Asehpe: Do you ever have any original opinions or do you just wait for everyone else to weigh in before you crtiique, correct and deconstruct their letters. Has it ever occured to you that always agreeing with the "feminist" point of view could be interpreted as sexist and condescending because you give the impression that women and the women's movement are too intellectually frail to handle unflattering comments?"

And again.... What?

I especially love how you put "feminism" in "quotes." I assure you that it actually exists, as a word that doesn't need "quotes." Feminism isn't an article or literary tract. So, what's up with that? Also, "occurred" is spelled like that, two r's. Anyway, no one thinks that the women's movement is too intellectually frail to handle unflattering comments. Most people don't blame feminists for ruining womens' chances in classical music positions. But you're probably right: I only went into science because the "feminists" told me to.

Do you ever have any original opinions or do you just wait for everyone else to weigh in before you crtiique, correct and deconstruct their letters.

Check my other letters for original opinions--you just have to click on the 'Read Asehpe's other letters' link. Anything that needs "crtiique", correction and deconstruction should get it!

Has it ever occured to you that always agreeing with the "feminist" point of view could be interpreted as sexist and condescending because you give the impression that women and the women's movement are too intellectually frail to handle unflattering comments?

That sounds like saying that always opposing the "feminist" point of view could be interpreted as sexist and condescending because you give the impression that women and the women's movement are too intellectually frail to handle anything but unflattering comments.

Nope. I support them when I see their point, and I oppose them when they need opposition (see the 'sexism' discussion and the Orangine ad). You, on the other hand...

There is a false tone to most of your letters. You seem, above all, to want to be liked by the women columnist here as evidenced by you pathetic attempt to start some kind of cyber relationship with one of the columnist.

The tone is not false, but true. The burden of proof is on you. Any evidence for your claim? Ah, I forgot, you don't do evidence; it's too "feministic". As for cyberrelationships, they are OK. Don't you have any? They certainly don't affect my points and/or arguments. Yours, on the other hand...

Of course, I'm sure you're only interested in her mind.

Since I don't know how anybody here looks like... I can't really see how I could be interested in anything else. You, on the other hand...

You are the worst kind male chauvinist--a fake feminist.

Oh, I thought the worst one was the kind that had prejudices. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe you give a good example: the worst kind of male chauvinist is the one who makes claims without any shread of evidence. The McCain of chauvinism, as it were.

Now that you've made me cry... sniff sniff... you can feel better. Come on, try to get some arguments and real points. Or to respond to other people's. You don't know enough html to quote others? You can't google facts or analyses? I can teach you how! It's not so hard.