Conductor criticism unbecoming

Re “Passing the Baton” [Feb. 7]: Don’t you think that your comments on the Pittsburgh Symphony’s new music director, Manfred Honeck, might just be a tad premature? While he obviously is not a “name” conductor, neither was Mariss Jansons when he came here. As for charisma, did you attend either of the concerts last year when Mr. Honeck conducted? I did, and found him extremely charismatic and quite exciting in his conducting style. The audience loved him, and it was plain that the orchestra did too. I hadn’t been as impressed with a conductor since Mr. Tortelier made his debut here back in 2004. (Tortelier, I think, would have made a good choice too, but I imagine his concentration on French repertoire as opposed to German was one of the factors in Honeck being chosen over him, if he in fact was in consideration.)

Honeck has a great opportunity to continue the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s growth, and to do so long-term. Give him a chance before you start badmouthing either him or the “Penn Avenue knuckleheads.”

— Robert Grano, Moon

Bad-faith effort

Re “Crisis of Faith” [Feb. 14]: I worked as a local television reporter for 10 years and then went into academia. I’d like you to know that most reporters at KDKA are undoubtedly embarrassed — no, horrified — by the Brent Dugan story. Most television news reporters are ashamed of what the television news has become.

In any event, thank you for a very thoughtful and well-written story. You did a great job and can be proud of your effort.

— Mike Gormley, assistant professor of communications, Central State University, Ohio