PLACIDO & FRIENDS

Bernheimer’s criticism of Domingo ‘s microphone technique while ignoring his obvious musicianship was petty, trivial and completely uncalled for.

As violinist in the orchestra that accompanied Domingo at the Aug. 12 benefit concert for the homeless in Mexico City, I can attest to the fact that his large voice requires no amplification to project in a large hall.

Perhaps Bernheimer didn’t notice that every single instrument in the New American Orchestra had a microphone attached to it and was amplified. How can any singer be expected to project over an electrically amplified orchestra without a little help?

Also, to imply that Domingo could learn anything at all from Frank Sinatra is absurd. Aside from the obvious fact that Sinatra never was and never will be the musician that Domingo is, Domingo organized the benefit concert that netted more than half a million dollars to aid a worthy cause, supervised and participated in a marathon rehearsal and stuck around after the concert to personally thank every musician in the orchestra.

JEFF GAUTHIER

Santa Monica