Bon Jovi is, of course, a skilled actor and a top-notch musician.

It should be noted, by the way, that the players are not Academy cadets but top-notch professional musicians who joined the Army expressly to serve as West Point bandsmen and women.

Though she mostly interpreted classic Cuban boleros and Son, her versions were distinct, supported by top-notch musicians and arrangements.

"Father Alphonse insists the players be top-notch musicians, but they also have to be nice people," Mr. Luckenbill said.

"There is a whole scene in Paris of top-notch African musicians," he says.

Currently, eight orchestra members are in so-called temporary positions, a situation that some say could lead top-notch musicians to refuse positions at La Scala for more secure jobs elsewhere.

I was not surprised that this top-notch musician and concert planner turned out to be so insightful.

Some of the young players, students at Tanglewood and top-notch musicians themselves, smiled in amazement.

So, it's best to hear them performed by top-notch musicians who can create a sense of homey informality.

Along with the down-home atmosphere, the concerts offer a chance to hear top-notch musicians at a reasonable cost.