CSOradio
CSOradio
Patrons arrive at the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, home of the Royal Conservatory of Music and Koerner Hall for the CSO’s first in Toronto in more than a century.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The first leg of the 2023 North American Tour ends in Toronto, with two concerts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Riccardo Muti at Koerner Hall. The tour marks the CSO's first appearance in Toronto since 1914 — during the Frederick Stock era.
Before the first concert Wednesday, the CSO and Muti were welcomed during a rehearsal by Mervon Mehta, executive director of performing arts for The Royal Conservatory of Music, which presented the CSO's tour concerts in Toronto. During the rehearsal, musicians learned that Daniel Armstrong, a member of the CSO bass section since 1995, will retire after the second Toronto concert this week. Since he started music lessons at age 4 in British Columbia, it was serendipitous that he would announce his news in Canada.
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.
CSO horn David Griffin warms up backstage, nestled against the warm wood backdrop of Koerner Hall, designed by architect Marianne McKenna.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The bass section applauds Daniel Armstrong (second from left), who will retire after his final CSO concert on Feb. 2.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Mervon Mehta, executive director of performing arts at the Royal Conservatory of Music, welcomes the CSO to Toronto.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
In Koerner Hall, seen from the top floor, Riccardo Muti leads the CSO in a rehearsal of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Riccardo Muti looks contemplative during a CSO rehearsal before the first of two tour concerts in Toronto.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO horns (from left, David Griffin, Oto Carrillo, James Smelser, David Cooper and Susanna Gaunt) rehearse.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
During rehearsal, Riccardo Muti banters with CSO woodwinds, including Principal Bassoon Keith Buncke (standing).
Todd Rosenberg Photography
TravTours and CSO operations staffers huddle in the Green Room at Koerner Hall. Pictured are Lina Brown and Guido Frackers with Heidi Lukas and Vanessa Moss.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Violinist Florence Schwartz heads to lunch with a friend, taking the walkway that links the historic Royal Conservatory of Music building with the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, the home of the RCM and Koerner Hall.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Trumpet Esteban Batallán and stage technician Paul Christopher strike a pose during a rehearsal break.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
In the hotel lobby, violinist Mihaela Ionescu and her four-legged pals greet Principal Horn David Cooper and his family.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Oboe William Welter joins spouse Jiwon Sun, who joined the group in Toronto, and oboe Lora Schaefer for a meal.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Backstage, bassist Daniel Carson visits his tour trunk and polishes his dress shoes ahead of the concert.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Backstage at Koerner Hall, John Deverman, director of orchestra personnel, catches up with work.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Violinist Simon Michal zooms into view during the CSO's first concert at Koerner Hall.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
In the Koerner Hall lobby, CSO Resound discs, including "Cavalleria rusticana," are ready for purchase.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
As the concert gets under way, the CSO strings come into view.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
iccardo Muti leads a performance of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5, marking the first appearance of Muti and the CSO together in Toronto and the CSO’s first performance there since 1914.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Piccolo Jennifer Gunn adds musical color during the performance of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Flute Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson acknowledges applause as he takes a solo bow.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Riccardo Muti acknowledges violinist Simon Michal as the CSO receives enthusiastic applause at Koerner Hall.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Violinist Susan Synnestvedt zooms into view during first tour concert in Toronto.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Riccardo Muti acknowledge cheers and applause from the concertgoers at Koerner Hall.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After the concert, violist Diane Mues holds a thank-you bouquet she received onstage from Maestro Muti.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSOA President Jeff Alexander joins wife Keiko and Choose Chicago CEO Lynn Osmond after the concert and a special Chicago tourism event that Osmond hosted in Toronto.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After the concert, CSO flute section members gather with flute colleagues with ties to the Toronto Symphony and Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
