classical What a great, long distance we have traveled since Milton Babbitt, the brilliant, prickly American composer asked, a generation ago, "Who cares if you listen?" That intentionally provocative question could not be posed today. Composers have always craved an audience, even Babbitt, but now consciously endeavor to communicate in an open, transparent manner. Two concerts this week are filled with music that follows this aesthetic. Orchestra 2001, an ensemble that has bravely presented the music of Babbitt in the past, is much better known for bringing the public the rich, eclectic and directly accessible music of our time. Its concerts this weekend include a world premiere by Jennifer Higdon, surely one of the rising stars of her generation, as well as music by Aaron Jay Kernis and Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho.

Over at Annenberg, an exciting collaboration debuts, with the first of a series of concerts by the American Composers Orchestra. This New York-based group often employs multidisciplinary productions, as it will for the Philly gig. There will be projected images accompanying music by José Serebrier, Conlon Nancarrow and Michael Torke, and, for this show, dancing from the acclaimed troupe Pilobolus.

Orchestra 2001, Sat., Nov. 12, 8 p.m., $10-$30, Trinity Center for Urban Life, 22nd and Spruce sts., www.orchestra2001.org. American Composers Orchestra, Sun., Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., $19-$33, Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, www.americancomposers.org.