I don't know if it's taken more seriously because you can't compare individuals' ideas of it but the atmosphere in Europe makes it easier t spark interest in classical styles. Just walking down a street in Leipzig you'll pass countless statues of classical composers. I feel like growing up in Europe allows you to be more familiar and to grow up with the history of classical music, where in the U.S. you have to make more of an effort to know anything about it and your parents almost have to make the decision for you at an early age to teach you an instrument so that when you do have more interest you can play at a competitive level. Here most of the people that come to our concerts have some connection with the youth orchestra or the symphony whether relatives or friends but when we played in Europe that wasn't an option but we still had good sized crowds for all three performances. - Tess Woodbury, Oboe

Europe definitely takes classical music more seriously. Music education in California is dwindling while in Europe it is blossoming. It is a huge disappointment for those who are pursuing careers in any musical venue, especially instrumentalists who play instruments usually introduced at an elementary level. Jill Reisner, trombone

Hard to say. I think there is more appreciation and awareness of the music, since much of the audience in Prague could hum to our pieces, in Europe. Suzie Li, violin

People on the whole seemed to be more educated and informed about classical music. Kirsten Skabelund, violin

Classical music seems to be taken more seriously by Europeans as a whole.

In my opinion, those few who want to pursue music as a career in America must take it more seriously in order to keep it alive. Ann Rodier, violin