Klarinet Archive - Posting 000668.txt from 1996/10

From: "Sydney R. Polk" <jazzman@-----.NET>
Subj: Conductors (was Re: Berlin Phil)
Date: Sat, 26 Oct 1996 13:51:13 -0400

I recently went to see my first San Fransisco Symphony concert with
Michael Tilson-Thomas. The difference in the orchestra between him
and Blumstead was astounding. His energy, musicianship and enthusiasm
radiated to the orchestra, and they reflected and amplified it back
to the audience. I was awestruck by the presense of this man.

He has single-handedly revived the Symphony in San Fran (and it wasn't doing
bad before). Every concert is sold out, and there are scalpers on
the street selling tickets before every concert. And they braodcast
the premiere both on public tv and on radio. Their 1812 was awesome.

So, at least in this case, conductors can be something other than "that
guy who starts the orchestra".

Syd Polk