Global ensembles are playing musical chairs

Every year international orchestras with exotic or impressive-sounding names crisscross the United States. But they are not always what they seem.

The Dublin Philharmonic that played two years ago in nearly 50 towns? Mostly Bulgarians. The Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra? Largely freelancers. The "Tschaikowski" St. Petersburg State Orchestra? The man advertised as its principal guest conductor had never heard of it.

In fact, audiences often do not know what they are getting. Many of these groups are pickup ensembles or have little reputation.