From Deseret News archives:

Review mean-spirited

Published: Monday, June 1, 2009 12:17 a.m. MDT
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I attended the same performance of Leonard Bernstein's "Mass" on May 29 as did critic Scott Iwasaki. And I would respectfully request that he never again be assigned to review any concert that is not rock or popular in content. His review was rife with factual errors. This piece was premiered in 1971, thus making it nearly 40 years old, not 30. A Mass is very seldom a symphony, as Mr. Iwasaki called it. It was actually subtitled "Theater Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers" by Bernstein himself. Denigrating Keith Lockhart's choice of this as his final performance because of its theatricality is somewhat mean-spirited, and certainly not necessary.

I have wanted to hear this piece in person for more than 30 years. It was a rare treat to have it in Salt Lake City. While not perfectly performed, it was a fine performance that deserved a far more even-handed review.

Sandefur Schmidt

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