Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra Confronts Controversy Over Right-Wing Guest Conductor
Musicians are protesting the invitation extended to radio host Dennis Prager to guest conduct; they say Prager is "deeply bigoted." But music director Guido Lamell says "music trumps politics."
The Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra will have a guest conductor this week: Dennis Prager. He'll conduct Haydn's Symphony No. 51 at an orchestra fundraiser.
Dennis Prager's day job, however, has members of the orchestra up in arms — or, at least, laying down their instruments. He's a conservative talk show host who often targets multiculturalism, Muslims and LGBTQ people.
Some musicians have refused asking community members not to attend the concert, objecting that Prager's political views are at odds with community and orchestra values.
