random first impressions of the SF Symphony's 2013-14 season



Michael Tilson Thomas

 The San Francisco Symphony released the details of their 2013-14 season this morning and shortly after reviewing it, I received an email from Patrick asking me what I thought about it. After re-reading my response to him, I realized I may as well share it with all of you, so here it is:

- I’m surprised by how good it is, and I’ve decided three solid seasons in a row is no fluke.

Lots to see (and hear). My biggest disappointments are what Bronfman and Denk are playing. The Josefowicz and Tetzlaff programs look really good (especially his solo recital). I also think the Bates/Beethoven pairing will turn out to have been more intriguing on paper than a rewarding experience in the hall, but it’s a fun, provocative slice of programming so I say what the hell and kudos to MTT for giving it a shot.

I also think it’s great the SFS is taking on a lot of Britten for the centennial, but I also think it’s sad they are doing so much and SFO so little (well, actually nothing).

There's a lot more I didn't mention, including the returns of Yo-Yo Ma, Yuja Wang, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the Labeque sisters, so take a look for yourself. As Lisa points out in her own post, it almost rivals the Centennial year in its impressiveness. It certainly solidifies SFS's stature as a leading proponent of innovative orchestral programming and an advocate of contemporary composers. In one sense, it feels like a tipping point for the orchestra. Nicely done.