This is a dire and critical juncture for the city of Atlanta, which is in danger of losing the flagship of its culture. If the tenth largest urban economy in America is incapable of sustaining its cultural jewel, what does that signal about our country? If the excellence that defines the ASO and its rich traditions is lost, it is a blow to our entire nation’s musical life. We need no longer only imagine our city without the ASO - - concerts are canceled and locked out musicians have dispersed to find employment elsewhere -- a tragedy for a city I have loved for its vitality and aspiration.

If ever there was a need for active listening, it is now. But, our brilliant and creative musicians, who need to be intimately involved in the creation of our path to the future have been asked to leave the building and Atlanta is left with a deafening silence. The erosion of cultural life is a sure sign of the decay of civilization. I weep for my city.