First, the back story to this column. When news came over the wire that the Atlanta Symphony had settled with its players this week after a 10-week lockout, my editor wandered over to my desk and started firing questions: Why is this a big deal, or not? Could it happen here? Why don’t we see more about classical music in the media? What about arts eduction? Whoa – that’s enough for at least three stories right there. … It started me thinking. I’ve always felt lucky to live in a city with such high-quality arts.

Anyway, here are a few of my thoughts, for now! Feel free to weigh in.