Program Book: Concert for Chicago, Jun 27, 2023

Read the program book for Concert for Chicago, Jun 27, 2023.

Photos from June 27, 2023

Riccardo Muti led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in his final concert as music director on Tuesday evening at Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion for a Concert for Chicago — a free summer concert presented in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. After opening with the Star-Spangled Banner, Muti and the Orchestra gave heartfelt performances of Florence Price’s peaceful Andante moderato and Tchaikovsky’s monumental Fifth Symphony to a crowd of eager listeners in the park. 

Following the bittersweet program, Maestro Muti was recognized for his contributions to the city of Chicago during his 13-season tenure with the CSO. 34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway made an appearance on stage and read an honorary resolution on behalf of the city council and mayor, plus CSOA President Jeff Alexander and Board Chair Mary Louise Gorno presented Muti with the inaugural Charles Norman Fay Award for Distinguished Leadership. To conclude the evening, Muti handed over two batons — one from his final subscription concerts as music director and the other from Tuesday evening’s community concert — to the CSOA’s Rosenthal Archives to mark the closure of his chapter as 10th music director.

📷: Todd Rosenberg Photography