WHEN NORMAN LEBRECHT addressed a public radio conference in Atlanta in February, 1997, his searing critique of the state of classical music electrified those in attendance and raised concerns about the art's future. But are audiences really declining? And if so, how can they be rebuilt?

Here we provide the viewpoints of several industry representatives who offer their observations on the future of classical music. We have a report aired on MPR news and information stations, "Classical Music: An Endangered Art?" The transcript of this report is included in four parts along with audio of interview materials not included in the broadcast.

Classical Music: An Endangered Art?, Brandi Parisi RealAudio 14.4, RealAudio 28.8

Part 1 ­ Norman Lebrecht, author of Who Killed Classical Music? believes classical music must be elitist "to raise people's consciousness."

Part 2 ­ Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Artistic Director Bobby McFerrin recalls how a musician backstage cautioned him to be more serious about conducting Beethoven's Seventh.

Part 3 ­ Wally Smith, former Programming Director at KUSC in Los Angeles tried pushing the bounderies of classical music radio programming.

Part 4 ­ Saint Paul Sunday host Bill McGlaughlin muses on the future of classical music.

Music columnist Norman Lebrecht details his thoughts on the current state of classical music in Who Killed Classical Music?