CSO announces new season full of performances conducted by Riccardo Muti

CSO announces new season full of performances conducted by Riccardo Muti
Riccardo Muti conducts the CSO. Photo courtesy of Todd Rosenberg/CSO
CSO announces new season full of performances conducted by Riccardo Muti
Riccardo Muti conducts the CSO. Photo courtesy of Todd Rosenberg/CSO

CSO announces new season full of performances conducted by Riccardo Muti

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The Chicago Symphony Orchestra just announced its new season, and it’s full of appearances by its ailing music director.

Riccardo Muti is still recovering after fainting during rehearsal and getting a pacemaker. But next season, he’ll lead 10 weeks of subscription concerts plus six weeks of touring.

Deborah Rutter, president of the CSO Association, said Muti’s schedule is carefully paced to give him time to rest and prepare.

“I think he would be the first to say, Chicago is where I’m putting all of my energy,” Rutter said. “So we want to be respectful, but it’s not as though we’re treating him like an invalid, and in fact, he’s very strong. Running around the building today, it was great to see so much energy for him.”

Next season features a new piano festival, a tribute to composer Gustav Mahler, and the world premieres of three commissioned works. Muti will once again lead a free community concert.