Aethernum

Hi Austin - we met back in 2012 when you were part of a performance in Michigan! I'm curious about your stance on new music: What do you think the role of the orchestra should be/is in facilitating the creation of new music, as opposed to playing "the canon"? Do you think there is enough new music being played, and are there sufficient avenues for its development? And if you could have any living composer write a piece for you, who would it be and why?

Thanks so much for doing this AMA! I work in production at a mid-sized symphony, and am curious what procedures and products the LA Phil is using to keep musicians distanced and safe on-stage. Are you using plexiglass dividers between players? Are you putting more space between wind players than non-wind players? How do you handle spit valve collection, mask-wearing (esp. backstage), and entry/exit procedures for the venue?