I heard Elliott Carter's First symphony at a concert in 1983. It was a 75th birthday concert for him and I knew he was going to be in the audience. I went assuming it might be the only opportunity to see him in the flesh. And I vividly remember him standing and applauding at the end; a small, neat man. As I write this over 27 years later Carter is still alive, but I haven't seen him since. Take these opportunities while you can. I wasn't familiar with the symphony when I first heard it and I was shocked as the music started. It's an early work with more in common with Copland and Barber than the wonderful modernism of mature Carter. Elliott Carter can write memorable tunes and even be jazzy. Always good to have your preconceptions destroyed.
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