Riccardo Muti
The Government of Japan has awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star to Riccardo Muti, the Music Director of the Chicago Symphony. He received this recognition for his contributions to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the citizens of Japan and Italy through music. The award is conferred twice a year by the Japanese government. The medal will be conferred upon Muti at a ceremony on a date and at a location to be announced.
The third highest Japanese decoration in general, the Order of the Rising Sun is the highest-ranked Japanese award presented to foreigners and is divided into six classes, of which the Gold and Silver Star is the second class.
This recognition for Muti comes after March 2016 concerts in Tokyo that marked the conductor’s 150th performance in Japan and also marked the 150th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy, as well as Japan’s recent issue of a Riccardo Muti commemorative stamp which celebrated these milestones. Muti also led the CSO on a successful 10-concert Asia Tour which included sold-out performances at Tokyo’s Bunka Kaikan on January 18 and 19, 2016.
