Music

For a metro area of only about 3.5 million people, the Twin Cities region is unusual in the way it supports not one, but two world-class orchestras. Now, with looming deficits on the horizon and musicians' contracts at both the Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra expiring Sept. 30, the Twin Cities may have two orchestras on strike.

Next Wednesday: new Dave Douglas band live in concert. But first, these news:

• Burning Ambulance has been counting down the 50 Greatest Saxophonists ever all week. Featuring guest lists from Jon Irabagon and Rudresh Mahanthappa.

Got an idea for a classical cartoon, or a reaction to this one? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Pablo Helguera is a New York-based artist working with sculpture, drawing, photography and performance. You can see more of his work at Artworld Salon and on his own site.

• Very touching: the ailing Van Cliburn addressed the Fort Worth audience at the concert celebrating his competition's 50th anniversary: "I personally want to thank you all for all of your faithful support. Never forget that I love you all from the bottom of my heart forever."

Michael Cerveris and Loose Cattle make their first appearance on Mountain Stage, recorded live at the Keith Albee Theater in Huntington, W.V. A Huntington native, Cerveris worked at the Keith Albee as a young man, popping popcorn for patrons in the theater's basement. Since then, he's gone on to become one of Broadway's most respected vocalists.