THE front page article in Wednesday's South China Morning Post, concerning the most recent Hongkong Philharmonic (HKPO) fracas, for the first time captured in appropriate tones the absurd surreality of the ongoing situation. What is truly unfortunate about the three-ring circus which its General Committee and management have allowed the Philharmonic to become, is that the focus has been put on things other than music. Your reporter, however, neglected to tell the real end ofthe latest chapter. After HKPO Personnel Manager Ms Edith Lei, gloating, left the scene in momentary triumph with her four hapless trophies, the rehearsal proceeded. In the limited time remaining, the musicians, still primarily from the Philharmonic despite management's best efforts, pulled together with consummate professionalism and worked diligently, as if no disruption had occurred. The concert was a success. Yes, we were reduced to half a cello section and only one flute, and yes, the full power of the music was thereby compromised, but the real lesson of this adventure is that dedicated artistry will ultimately succeed, no matter how hard childish and pettybureaucrats try to block it. JEROME HOBERMAN Mid-Levels
