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The argument of whether or not the Los Angeles Philharmonic should hire a local Angelino conductor is as inane as arguing whether or not the New York Yankees should only sign native New York ballplayers. Sure, everyone would like to see a "local boy" at the helm, whether it be an orchestra, a theatrical production, or a sports team, but most of the time the idea is neither practical or possible.

Historically, very few accomplished conductors have led orchestras in their native cities. Robert Shaw, for example, a 14-time Grammy winner, helmed both the Cleveland Orchestra as well as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, despite being born and raised in California. Leon Fleisher, another native Californian, also conducted the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Michael Christie, a prodigious contemporay conductor, is currently the principal guest conductor of Australia's Queensland Orchestra, as well as the music director of the Phoenix Orchestra.

Esa-Pekka Salonen, a native of Finland and current conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is as accomplished as any contemporary conductor. Winner of prestigious awards such as the Siena Prize and the Royal Philharmonic Society's Opera Award, only a bitter individual would rather see a local Angelino at the helm. Los Angeles residents should be honored, not offended, to have a conductor of Salonen's credentials leading the way.

When Salonen relinquishes his position with the philharmonic in September of 2009, he will be succeeded by Gustavo Dudamel, a native of Venezuela. At 27, Dudamel is considered by many to be one of the next great conductors. Having already conducted Sweden's famed Gothenburg Symphony, Dudamel is the only logical choice to follow in the footsteps of Salonen.

Los Angeles Philharmonic's current assistant conductor, Lionel Bringuier, is a world-renowned talent. Even though he is a native of France, he brings amazing credentials to the orchestra. With internationally-acclaimed conductors such as Salonen and Bringuir, the philharmonic can boast of having some of the best talent the world has to offer, as well as a star-in-the-making with Dudamel.

Perhaps the local music community in Los Angeles should embrace the talent within their ranks and be thankful for the opportunity to experience these fine international orchestra leaders. Even though there are undoubtedly superb Angelino musicians out there, a true fan of classical music cannot possibly argue with the Los Angeles Philharmonic's choice of conductors. After all, music is the universal language, and what better city than Los Angeles to feature the most accomplished conductors in the universe?

Learn more about this author, Marlin Bressi.
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