The conventional American symphony and classical music audience has in recent years been bullied into becoming a controlled, unreactive and somber herd. Rarely does one hear a spontaneous expression of appreciation for a bravura performance of an opening movement of a concerto or a sonata -- and when it does occur accidentally the applause is quickly dampened as if a faux pas was committed.

What message does that convey to the new and to the young symphony audience? We are constantly advised to become engaged in the musical performance, sometimes moved to tears surreptitiously wiping our eyes, but otherwise should we control our emotions and wait for the appropriate moment to express our pleasure and admiration for a truly moving performance?

Why should classical musicians be treated differently than opera singers, Broadway theater stars, jazz soloists or rock stars? We are dealing with professionals -- they know how to continue after well-intentioned applause without damage to the rest of the performance. And a minute of respite after a physically and emotionally demanding movement can enhance the rest of the performance.

Classical music can engage all the emotions: joy, sadness, fear, hope and a litany of others. But even serious music can and should be applauded whenever the audience is so moved.

We need to encourage audience involvement in the performance of "serious" music: Cheers and roars of approval are not just for athletes, rock stars and war heroes. Many of our Pittsburgh Symphony players well deserve a coterie of followers and groupies. What better role models for our young. Just by being a vital part of our permanent community and as exemplars of stability they enrich our lives.

Maury Deul
Mt. Lebanon

In the Home & Garden section of Saturday's paper, there was a picture of "supermodel-turned-green" advocate Cheryl Tiegs standing next to some countertops that are the type of "eco-friendly" things she has in her home and presumably on display at this week's Pittsburgh Home Show. The story went on to say how Ms. Tiegs has made a real commitment to green living and then later gave us some more of her energy saving tips.

While attractive to look at, it is misleading to say that things such as new countertops or even some of her tips capture the essence of green home living.

For most, far more useful measures can also be found at the Home Show including 1) home energy audits to find all those hidden sources of waste in the home; 2) home sealing and insulation products and services; 3) new high-efficiency water and heating equipment. These three measures could help someone cut their energy use and home's carbon footprint in half, whereas the net effect of installing something like new countertops will be negligible, or worse.

Our neighborhood group in Friendship is starting a subgroup for those ready to make a commitment to green living and energy efficiency. We are looking forward to help in the form of tax rebates, low-interest loans and some exciting programs from the state, city and new nonprofits starting up in Pittsburgh. While the initial measures we recommend will not nearly be as sexy as countertops or even new windows, we expect to make big gains by starting with the above measures. We urge others to do the same.

John Horchner
VP, Friendship Preservation Group

In response to China Millman's article "How much are restaurants affected by critics' dish?" (March 7), maybe restaurant reviews aren't as effective as they should be because restaurateurs don't understand their purpose. Bill Fuller, the corporate executive chef of the Big Burrito Restaurant Group, calls bad reviews frustrating and annoying. Just think how frustrated and annoyed the paying customers are when they encounter terrible food and worse service! I would like to suggest some more appropriate emotions for Mr. Fuller such as concern and embarrassment.

When my friends and I plan to visit a restaurant in Pittsburgh, we actually discuss whether we are going for food quality or good service, since it is almost impossible to obtain both on the same night in this market. We are not the only ones with this opinion. I recall visiting a new restaurant in the Strip District shortly after it opened. It was 4:50 p.m. on a Friday and the restaurant was not open yet. As we all know, eating in Pittsburgh is like eating at Grandma's; lunch is at noon and dinner is at 5. Don't expect anything earlier or later.

There were about eight of us waiting in a torrential downpour while the wait staff just stood around right inside the door. A well-dressed elderly woman turned to her friend and said, "I guess we waited too long to come here." Then she elaborated to us that they only go to new restaurants, since that was the time when they were most likely to receive good food and good service. After that short period, things inevitably went downhill.

I have worked as a bookkeeper for a restaurant and catering business and have seen this firsthand. I have seen chefs that forgot to order the main dish (lobster) for a wedding reception. Even though the cost of the entire event had to be refunded, the chef still was not let go.

Just this weekend, after waiting 20 minutes for a table for afternoon tea at a small cafe in Pittsburgh, the next available table, which had been promised to me by the hostess and the wait staff, was given to a party of four by the manager, even though they were all not there. In fact, the final two members of the party only arrived 40 minutes later, after I had completely finished my order. Being a single woman at a restaurant in Pittsburgh is like being "cellophane"; we are transparent or invisible.

Restaurant reviews should be viewed as an indication of a need for self-evaluation by restaurant owners. But why wait for the review?

Elaine Luther
Murrysville

I just wanted to thank Scott Mervis for his awesome review of the Black Eyed Peas concert (March 6). I was lucky enough to attend the show as well and agree 100 percent with the review. Being my favorite group, I couldn't wait to get my ticket to this show as I know what the BEP are capable of. I saw Britney's show last year and didn't think anything would top it, but the BEP have far surpassed her show. They sound just as amazing live as they do on their albums and I can only hope that they return to Pittsburgh during their next tour.

Tim Rachuba
South Side

The talking heads on MSNBC and Fox News, with all their fact twisting, spins, fabrications and sometimes outright lies, can really sway the public opinion on many important matters. This is sad. Are they just talk-show hosts and entertainers with enough charisma and gift of gab to command a following? I know they can all think on their feet, but what is their educational and experience background? Are they actually worth believing?

On MSNBC we have Matthews, Olberman and Maddow. On Fox we have Beck, Hannity and O'Reilly. Let's even see the resumes of Limbaugh and Quinn.

Please help us all by publishing the facts.

John Barbisch
Bridgeville

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