March 16, 1999

Bernard Holland reviews three concerts by Los Angeles Philharmonic at Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, including New York premiere of John Adams's Naive and Sentimental Music (M)

Seattle has blossomed as a theater town over last two decades, to the point where competition among the larger theaters--Seattle Repertory Theater Co, A Contemporary Theater and Intiman Theater--has begun to eat into the audiences for the fringe groups that have proliferated in city; theatergoers account for 35 percent of audiences for arts events in city, excluding for-profit enterprises like movies and pop concerts; photos (M)

If Microsoft Corp loses antitrust suit against it, 19 states that have joined Federal Government in landmark case will demand that company be revamped; states, as equal partners in suit, hold veto-like power over kinds of remedies Federal Government can recommend; option receiving most favor would force Microsoft to license source code for Windows operating system to several other companies, instantly creating competition in operating system business; many of states are eager to use provisions in their laws that would allow them to fine Microsoft for every antitrust violation 'incident,' although there is little if any case law to suggest how incident is defined in this context; in the end, remedy Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson imposes might or might not be based on recommendations of plaintiffs; state attorneys general, as elected officials, have motives not alwways same as those of Justice Department (M)

New Jersey Nets dismiss coach John Calipari; name assistant coach Don Casey interim coach; photo (M)

Maastricht, Netherlands, site of annual European Fine Art Fair, is popular among European and American art collectors because of proximity to France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany--major art centers; fair, which draws nearly 200 dealers from 12 countries, has grown to degree that staggers first-time visitors and seasoned dealers; photos (M)