We're the rare animal in the symphony orchestra world; while most orchestras belong to a city, we belong to the state.

It's black tie and ball gowns. This is very red carpet.

We've divided it into three spaces. One area is the concert area. Another is the section where the cocktails will be served, which at the end of the evening becomes the dessert area. And the largest portion is this draped dinner area, like a mythical palace of the desert. We move people from place to place. This is not your typical dinner-dance charity ball. This is very much a theatrical experience, divided into four acts.

It's not all that different with the orchestra. There are orchestras that seem to be encased in dough, so that first you have to break through the normal routine, and clear out the openings.

Show me an orchestra that likes its conductor and I'll show you a lousy conductor.

Orchestras only need to be sworn at, and a German is consequently at an advantage with them, as English profanity, except in America, has not gone beyond a limited technology of perdition.