World Class SF Symphony @ Carnegie Hall

San Francisco Symphony (SFS) is heralded as one of the world's great orchestras.  Music Dir. & Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) has been with SF Symph since 1995.  He is one of the world's most highly honored working artists.  He's been awarded the Chevalier des Arts from France, elected to the Amer. Acad. of Arts & Science & awarded the Nat'l Medal of Arts by Pres. Obama.  Watching MTT conduct is similar to watching a ballet.  His elegant conducting of Beethoven's & Mozart's masterful compositions enhance an emotional connection to the music.  Beethoven's Leonore Overture #3 was the 1st piece on the program.  Beethoven wrote only 1 opera: Fidelio.  He labored greatly writing his opera, perhaps his encroaching deafness thwarted his ease with compositing for voice.  Beethoven wrote 3 overtures for his opera. He discerned these were too overpowering to serve as introductions. Leonore Overture # 3 is the most often performed composition discarded from his opera.  MTT is esteemed for performing the music of the classical giants as well as contemporary works.  Steven Mackey's "Eating Greens" was positioned between Beethoven & Mozart's Piano Concerto #25.  MTT is a great communicator.  He takes pleasure in bringing new works to audiences & sharing insights in a warm & engaging manner.  Composer, Steven Mackey (b. 1956) wrote his own notes for "Eating Greens." Mackey paid homage to jazz musician Monk & artist Matisse for their assemblage of innovative parts that combine to harmonize in surprising patterns.  There was a mixture of 40 different added "instruments" to the orchestration.   Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue shared similarites with its rushed urban atmospheric sounds.  Audiences are assured that SFS under MTT's direction of magnificient classical performances and a friendly nudge into today's most creative works.   An added bonus was Mackey joining MTT on stage to receive recognition.