Forward-Looking Listeners

If I am to believe this morning's numbers from Google Analytics, then my account of Michael Tilson Thomas returning to Gustav Mahler's third symphony with the San Francisco Symphony received just as much attention as the one for the new Switchboard series of monthly recitals at the Center for New Music (CNM). Granted, it takes a lot fewer people to fill CNM than it does for Davies Symphony Hall. Nevertheless, it was very satisfying to see a full house at CNM (and probably even more so for the performers). I take this as recognition of the "breath of fresh air" provided by new music ensembles in San Francisco, which seems to register with an impact that can be compared with Mahler symphonies!