The Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory Concert Hall is near our hotel, and we pass it regularly when kids are going in for their lessons. Last night we went to hear a program of Mozart performed by the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera--the Don Juan Overture, a violin concerto and a symphony. The special guest performer was the violin soloist, who is officially named a People's Artist. I don't think either of us was impressed with what happens when state-supported art becomes state-approved art.-Robert
