Chicago Symphony Orchestra Kicks Off Season With "Concert for Chicago"
Music journalist Dennis Polkow sits down with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti for a conversation about Gioachino Rossini and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
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Riccardo Muti opens his ninth season as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on September 20th with a free “Concert for Chicago”. The program will launch a yearlong celebration of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago’s centennial season. Maestro Muti will lead the CSO and Civic Orchestra side-by-side through a program that features Verdi, Tchaikovsky and Rossini.
Photo of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago class of 1920. Courtesy of Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
According to the CSO, 500 young musicians auditioned in January 1920, 86 were accepted, and the ensemble made its debut on March 29, 1920.
The Civic Orchestra continues to thrive today. CSO Music Director Riccardo Muti first worked with Civic musicians in 2009 and has continued his commitment to the ensemble, leading open rehearsals every season since, including on April 30, 2017, leading Brahms’ Third Symphony.
CSO music director Riccardo Muti working with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Image courtesy of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Rossini will be among the composers featured in the 9/20 Concert for Chicago.
Gioachino Rossini
