“The conventional wisdom among some of San Diego’s major players in classical music seems to be that contemporary music spells disappointment at the box office,” writes James Chute in Sunday’s (9/7) San Diego Union-Tribune. But the concert series Art of Élan “has created a mix that has attracted a diverse and curious audience to its core series at the San Diego Museum of Art.… Over Art of Élan’s past seven seasons, audiences have come to trust founders Kate Hatmaker and Demarre McGill.” McGill is principal flute at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and held the same position in the Seattle Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and Florida Orchestra. “However the program turns out, it’s adventurous, thoughtfully put together, and it has numerous points where a diversity of concertgoers can connect, which is the whole point. Classical music doesn’t have to be nostalgia; it can be something that connects us more deeply with ourselves (putting us in the present moment) and creates a community of listeners and musicians. Art of Élan has built that community.” The article also highlights upcoming performances of contemporary music in San Diego by the San Diego Symphony, La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, and the series Wednesdays@7, MIXX@Bread & Salt, and San Diego New Music.
Posted September 10, 2014
