RICCARDO MUTI EXTENDS CONTRACT AS MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA THROUGH 2023

From the official statement of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra:

CHICAGO—The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) is very pleased to announce that the contract for Music Director Riccardo Muti has been extended through the 2022-23 season.

Muti became the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 10th music director in 2010. His tenure was scheduled to conclude at the end of the 2021-22 season, but in light of the many months of canceled performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Muti has agreed to the Association’s request to remain as music director through the 2022-23 season. During this period, Muti will maintain his current commitment to lead the Orchestra in 10 weeks of subscription and special concerts and community activities in Chicago, as well as four weeks of international and domestic touring activities. Highlights of Muti’s programs with the CSO in the 2022-23 season will include the world premiere of a CSO-commissioned work by Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery and June 2023 performances of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and a roster of distinguished international soloists, as well as a January 2023 Asia Tour to Taiwan, China and Japan.

“On behalf of the Association’s Board of Trustees, it gives me great pleasure to share this exciting news today,” said Helen Zell, CSOA Board Chair. “The unique artistry of Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is recognized as something truly exceptional not only in Chicago, but also around the world. After such a challenging time without the opportunity to connect to the joy of live music, we are grateful that Maestro Muti has accepted our invitation to stay with us to make music that lifts our spirits and inspires us.”

“I look forward to being in Chicago again with the musicians to bring music back into the city,” said Riccardo Muti. “I am very proud of the musicians of this great orchestra and happy to stay as music director to continue our great artistic collaboration, and to work with our Trustees, volunteers and Administration to keep music an important part of our community and a beacon of hope around the world.”

“Maestro Muti’s relationship with the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra has created an extraordinary artistic partnership,” said CSOA President Jeff Alexander. “His performances with the CSO in Chicago, across the country and around the world, as well as his commitment to education and community engagement activities have been deeply moving and meaningful, and we are delighted he has agreed to extend his music directorship for an additional season. The entire CSOA family expresses our sincere gratitude to Maestro Muti for his leadership and the gift of his continued connection to the Orchestra, the institution and our city.”

“Besides Maestro Muti’s wonderful return to Chicago, the first since February of 2020, there can be no greater joy than to share in this news”, added CSO horn James Smelser, Chairman of the Members’ Committee. “The musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra recognize this important step in the continuation of a significant musical collaboration that can be shared with audiences in Chicago and throughout the world. We are extremely proud to have Maestro Muti as our music director.”

Watch the photos of the rehearsals:

Watch the photos of the concert:

© Todd Rosenberg Photography 2021


Riccardo Muti extended his contract as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through 2023.Their musical collaboration started almost 12 years ago with their very first CD together winning two Grammy Awards for the recording of Verdi’s Messa da Requiem (here in video).
Watch the video and discover more here: http://bit.ly/DVDMutiConductsVerdi
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