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Hancher Auditorium, on the University of Iowa campus, glows in black and gold at dusk before the CSO’s concert there.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
For the last U.S. stop on the first leg of the 2023 North American Tour, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Riccardo Muti headed to Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa.
Missing the snowstorm that swept over the Plains and central Midwest, the CSO and Muti performed to a sold-out crowd Sunday night at Hancher Auditorium. Originally established in 1972 but relocated and rebuilt after severe flooding in 2008, the Hancher reopened in 2016; it represents the second venue on this tour designed by famed architect César Pelli.
Before the concert, CSO musicians conducted master classes, arranged by the Negaunee Music Institute. Back at the Hancher, others managed to catch a few minutes of the NFL playoffs during breaks in the concert action.
The tour’s first leg culminates with two concerts in Toronto, marking the orchestra’s first appearances there since 1914. After the CSO returns to Symphony Center for a few weeks, Muti joins them Feb. 23-25 in Chicago and then in Kansas City for a concert Feb. 26 with Julia Fischer in Schumann’s Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony. They wrap up their winter tour by traveling to Florida for four concerts from Feb. 28 to March 4.
Bundled up against the winter cold, CSO musicians, including violinist So Young Bae, arrive in Iowa City.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
A black-and-yellow backdrop signals a welcome to Iowa Hawkeye territory as cellist Richard Hirschl arrives at the hotel.
Principal Bass Alexander Hanna meets up with friend and musical colleague Courtney Miller, a member of the oboe faculty at the University of Iowa.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
In a master class organized by the Negaunee Music Institute, piccolo Jennifer Gunn guides Emily Ho, a student of University of Iowa flute faculty member Nicole Esposito.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Jeff Alexander, president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, addresses a donor reception.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Before the concert begins, CSO horn James Smelser warms up on the stage.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
As the concert begins, Ni Mei and fellow violinists perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Backstage, CSO harpist Lynne Turner (right) and guest harpist Grace Browning await the program's second half.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Riccardo Muti prepares to give a downbeat in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
During a break in the concert action, stage technician Paul Christopher (from left), violist Wei-Ting Kuo, violinist Simon Michal and Assistant Principal Trumpet Mark Ridenour catch part of an NFL playoff game.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Assistant Principal Timpani Vadim Karpinos tests the bass drum for its big role in "Pictures from an Exhibition."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
In Houdini-like fashion, second trumpet John Hagstrom seemly levitates over travel trunks backstage.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
While backstage, Scott Hostetler sets out his oboe and English horn ahead of Mussorgsky’s "Pictures from an Exhibition."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Riccardo Muti beams as he takes the podium to lead "Pictures from an Exhibition."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Trumpet Esteban Batallán introduces the Promenade theme in "Pictures from an Exhibition."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh takes a passage on the snare drum.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Riccardo Muti conducts the CSO in the final movements of "Pictures from an Exhibition."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
As the concert ends, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Riccardo Muti stand for a bow.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The sold-out audience at Hancher Auditorium gives the Chicago Symphony Orchestra a tumultuous ovation.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After the concert, Stage Manager Christopher Lewis packs the violin trunks for the cargo trip to Canada.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
