A casual Philharmonic hits the wrong note

Re “Say goodbye to white tie,” Opinion, Sept. 29

This proposal that the Los Angeles Philharmonic abandon its formal dress code for evening concerts is one of the more repulsive and presumptuous of recent times. The idea, put forth by David Mermelstein, completely misses the point. The musicians in the Philharmonic are not ordinary people; they are highly trained, very talented, top professionals. In other words, they are special people, and they should look like special people, not like they were going to a family picnic.

I shudder to think where Mermelstein may try to lead us next. Perhaps a series of Philharmonic concerts featuring rock and rap.

ROSS BARRETT

Los Angeles

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If we’re offended by the message that a particular style of clothing conveys, then we could say goodbye to clerical robes, wedding attire and tight bluejeans as well. And, of course, this is frequently done. But if clothing is to speak as precisely as the written or spoken word, then why obscure what could be an interesting statement just for the sake of comfort? Unless, of course, the only message that is important is the prosaic “I’ll dress comfortably because I want to.”

KENT RYLANDER

Junction, Texas