I was at the CSO's performance of Mahler's 3rd symphony in October and his 7th symphony after Thanksgiving. I didn't know the works when I showed up to the concerts. While I mostly enjoyed the performances, I found myself drifting off more than usual.

During one drift-off I wished that there was a listening group, much like a book group, so I would have an excuse to get to know a work, then hear what other people liked and disliked about the works and performances.

So I'd like to invite readers to join me in an online listening group.

At first I thought it might be just a recording, then I thought that in a town like Chicago, we might want to hear the work live. THEN I thought that we might have readers from other cities and countries. So perhaps a recording could be a starting point. We'll see.

Anyone game? No experience necessary.

If you're interested, meet me in the chat room next Friday (Dec 8th) at 10:00am. Come with an idea of a work you'd like to listen to. We'll also choose a time to meet in the chat room to talk about it.