Fleischmannia

The Ernest Fleischmann article (in which Fleischmann’s name was mentioned 76 times) painted a strange picture of executive director Fleischmann and his L.A. Philharmonic organization (“The Philharmonic’s Once and Forever King,” by John Henken, July 10).

Lurking in the background were 68 employees of Fleischmann’s who dare not open their mouths, pro or con, and so Henken talked to ex-Fleischmann administrative employees (one from 18 years ago!!!) or to Fleischmann “equals” (if there is such a thing) who called him Ernest (only 12 times).

What emerged from all this Fleischmannia (along with a little puffery for the Bowl) was a sketchy portrait of the same pompous, self-serving individual who appeared all too frequently on the mercifully defunct “Luncheon at the Music Center” on the “old” KFAC.

Enough already!

Let Robert Hilburn list his favorite recording artists. Bring back the Calendar Letters controversy over Charles II of Spain. Interview Roger Rabbit. Do something in Calendar to take up valuable space other than hand it over to this second-rate, out-of-sync Diaghilev with his condescending attitudes toward his audiences.

GEORGE P. ERENGIS

Los Angeles