CSOradio
CSOtv
CSOradio
Riccardo Muti strikes a pose beside the Iowa Hawkeye, mascot of the University of Iowa, before the flight to Canada.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Oh, Canada! For the final two concerts on the first leg of their 2023 North American Tour, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Riccardo Muti traveled to Toronto, Ontario. The concerts mark the first performances in that city since 1914.
After a short flight from Iowa to Canada, musicians took advantage of some free time, bundling up to go outside in the icy air and roam around the beautiful city — including a visit to the landmark CN Tower. Built in 1972, the CN Tower was the world’s tallest free-standing structure until Dubai’s Burj Khalifa opened in 2009.
While in Toronto, Maestro Muti also led a daytime rehearsal with musicians of the Glenn Gould School Orchestra at Koerner Hall of The Royal Conservatory of Music.
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.
Images from the Iowa heartland are part of the wallpaper of the hotel where the musicians were staying.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
John Deverman, director of orchestra personnel, talks with bassist Bradley Opland before departure.
Violinist Kozue Funakoshi is bundled up and ready for the trip to Toronto, where the CSO performs two concerts.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO musicians with boarding passes are ready as the travel day to Toronto gets under way.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
It’s cold outside, but violist Catherine Brubaker finds a seat in the sun while awaiting departure.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
In Toronto, CSO musicians receive a warm welcome from the travel crew at the airport.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Cleared customs, check; baggage retrieved, check. Now to make it to the bus for the ride into the city. Bassoonist Miles Maner makes a beeline to ground transportation.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Whew, made it! Upon arrival, violinist Simon Michal sinks into an armchair in the hotel lobby.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Assistant Principal Bassoon William Buchman meets up with his spouse, Lee Lichamer, who's also a member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus. He's joining the group in Toronto for the two concerts there.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Trumpet Esteban Batallán (left) and Principal Flute Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson greet each other in the hotel lobby.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
In rehearsal at Koerner Hall, Riccardo Muti speaks with musicians from the Glenn Gould School Orchestra at the Royal Conservatory of Music's Koerner Hall, as they perform music of Beethoven and Giordano.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Riccardo Muti leads a daytime rehearsal with musicians from the Glenn Gould School Orchestra at the Royal Conservatory of Music's Koerner Hall.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Toronto’s iconic CN Tower rises against a backdrop of a bright blue winter sky.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
On the observation deck of Toronto’s CN Tower, CSO musicians (from left, violinists Susan Synnestvedt, Melanie Kupchynsky and Yuan Qing, joined by Qing's mother, Yiwen Mi) document the dramatic views of the city below.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The landmark building of the Royal Conservatory of Music, presenter of the CSO’s concerts in Toronto, is a stately presence. An illuminated poster promotes the CSO's performances.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Director of Operations Heidi Lukas posts directional signage backstage for musicians and crew.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Assistant Principal Trumpet Mark Ridenour tests the beautiful acoustics in Toronto's Koerner Hall.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Stage Manager Christopher Lewis begins the stage set-up at Koerner Hall.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
