I have never done a poll before, but I guess this is like one. I'm curious - if you had to choose between these two concerts, which one would you choose? (only one)

Concert 1:

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Riccardo Muti conductor
Yo-Yo Ma cello

Bates - The B-Sides, Five Pieces for Orchestra and Electronica
Schumann - Cello Concerto
Strauss - Aus Italien

or

Concert 2:

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Charles Dutoit conductor
Evgeny Kissin piano

Sibelius - Suite from Karelia
Grieg - Piano Concerto
Stravinsky - Petrushka

I'd cast my vote for concert #2... although passing up on Ma would be hard.

I know, I'm a big fan of both Kissin and Ma. I've seen Kissin perform live several times, but never the Grieg Piano Concerto. However, that Bates music in concert #1 looks interesting too - I've never heard of him before.

Still can't decide....

Why not both?

If I had to choose, I'd go to #2, but you've already seen him, so I'd flip a coin to decide.

For my taste, the program material in #2 sounds better than #1. However, if Ma was playing the Dvorak Cello Concerto, then I'd go for #1. The Grieg Piano Concerto is a hauntingly beautiful work from beginning to end. Kissin is one pianist that I'd love to see perform that concerto. He'll bring down the house for sure with his technical prowess. I'd be very curious to see how he treats the slow second movement with that beautiful melody in high D-flat... Ah, you're so lucky to have such a nice choice...

I'm trying to put together my next seasons concert selection. I usually go with the 5-concerts plan and add another concert or two. But ticket prices for these are not cheap, and Kissin is going to be again on my plan in a solo concert, but I want to also stick in a symphony concert because I can get a better deal if I do it now. George, you and Sarah are beginning to sway my decision toward concert no. 2, so I may go with that. I have a couple weeks before I have to choose.