A few weeks ago, the Los Angeles Times did a profile of some of the younger members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Today, columnist Steve Lopez writes about violinist Robert Vijay Gupta

At 20, his experiences reach far beyond his years

The article includes a fair amount of discussion about Gupta's audition for the orchestra, including this bit:

"Here's what Salonen told me about why he hired a 19-year-old kid for his world-class orchestra.

'I was struck not only by the sheer quality of Robert's playing, but also by the boldness and confidence of it, which is kind of rare at that stage. . . . Many people who come to audition are trying to play it safe . . . and it's playing that . . . is quite often not very interesting.' "

And so what's your point?

Seems fairly impressive to me - he's probably some kind of genius.

Robert's a fine player and colleague. His accomplishements in music and science are matched by what an easy-going guy he is. And, as for me, with about a year to to go to figure out a sustainable way to not turn 50, I don't resent that he has made such great accomplishments at such a youthful age...really, I don't....not at all....really...

I thought you were meant to start counting backwards when you hit 45 - so really that means you are only approaching 40!!

Age is relative. I'm 40+. Look about 10yrs younger, and act about 12!!! On a good day.

As for getting older, a Great Aunt of mine always said that it beat the alternative.

Frosty the Freelancer