Riccardo Muti
Riccardo Muti extends his tenure as Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) through 2020. His current contract began in September 2010 and continues through August 2015. The new contract will begin in September 2015 and extend through August 2020.
“On behalf of the Association’s Board of Trustees, it gives me immense pleasure to share this news today, as we solidify the long-term relationship between our world-renowned Orchestra and our world-renowned Maestro,” said Jay Henderson, Chairman of the CSOA Board of Trustees. “We are thrilled that Maestro Muti has said ‘yes’ to staying with us and to continuing to build on the great legacy that began in 2010.”
“I love Chicago, and I love making music with the extraordinary musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,” said Riccardo Muti, Music Director of the CSO. “We have a symbiosis, a warm and unique way of working together, and I look forward to continuing this relationship.”
“Chicago is my home away from home, and I am very glad it will continue to be so,” Muti continued. “The people here are very special, and their support of this fine orchestra is essential to its future.”
As with the current contract, the new contract calls for Maestro Muti to conduct performances during ten CSO subscription weeks in Chicago each season, to make recordings and to lead domestic and foreign tours.
Expanding on his original vision, Muti said that with the extended contract, he will also focus on enhancing the already strong international reputation of the CSO through tours, recordings and projects such as the CSO’s first worldwide live video webcast, of Verdi’s Requiem, on October 10, 2013, which drew more than 100,000 viewers across the globe.
