Riccardo Muti, Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will undergo surgery on Monday to repair  “multiple facial and jaw fractures” according to a statement released by the CSO.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra said Muti sustained the injuries when he fainted and fell from the podium on to the stage while conducting an orchestra rehearsal in advance of Thursday’s scheduled concert at Symphony Center.  He was immediately taken to an area hospital.

In addition to the scheduled surgery, doctors are continuing to assess the underlying cause of his fainting. 

Despite the injuries, Muti “is alert and in good spirits,” according to a statement late Thursday from Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association President Deborah Rutter.

Thursday was supposed to mark Muti’s return to the CSO for the opening performance of his winter residency.  The 69 year old conductor unexpectedly cut short his fall residency with the CSO due to “extreme gastric distress”.

The 2010-2011 season marks Muti’s first with the orchestra since being named its Music Director in 2008.  His selection was widely praised by fans and music critics, and his arrival at the orchestra’s helm has been much anticipated.

Updated 3:28 p.m. 2/4/11