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The sun sets over Amsterdam, as CSO musicians, donors and guests wrap up their first day on the European Tour 2025.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The Musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra left Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on overnight Lufthansa flights Sunday evening to begin a five-city, eight-concert European tour with guest conductor Jaap van Zweden.
After landing in Germany and hopping on quick connector flights, they arrived in Amsterdam, their first tour stop. Before kicking things off at Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam for the 2025 Mahler Festival later in the week, many musicians took time on Monday and Tuesday to explore the beautiful city — visiting markets, indulging in a stroopwafel or enjoying a nature walk. A welcome dinner was also held with travelers on the CSO Patrons Tour at Restaurant MOS Amsterdam on Tuesday night.
Christopher Lewis, CSO stage manager, begins the load-out process at Symphony Center.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO musicians gather outside Orchestra Hall as they get ready to board buses for the ride to O'Hare International Airport.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO musicians head for the Lufthansa gates on Sunday afternoon at O'Hare International Airport.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO cello Richard Hirschl and wife Laura (center) start rolling their suitcases to the departure gate at O'Hare.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO horn Susanna Gaunt has her passport and boarding pass at the ready as she prepares to board.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO English horn and oboe Scott Hostetler heads for his seat on the orchestra's flight to Europe.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
In Amsterdam, piano tuner Christa Andrepont (left) and guest pianist Kelly Estes sample a stroopwafel as they sightsee.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The Dutch treat stroopwafel is a thin cookie made from two layers of sweet baked dough held together by syrup filling.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
A chef prepares a stroopwafel by pouring syrup over a side of the confection.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO bass Dan Carson munches on a stroopwafel while perched on a children's street ride.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
An Amsterdam street bazaar attracts visitors, including CSO musicians, donors and their guests.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Amsterdam is a city of bicycles, with an estimated 847,000 to 881,000 — meaning there are more bicycles than people.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO cello Karen Basrak (left) and Lora Schaefer (right), assistant principal oboe, head out for some sightseeing. Trailing them is Lora’s husband, William Berndt.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Concertbegouw percussionist Herman Rieken (right, in a red shirt) leads a tour for patrons of the Mahler Festival; Cynthia Yeh (lower left), CSO principal percussion, was invited to join. The tour stops at places Mahler visited during his stays in Amsterdam and also passes houses of conductors, composers and musicians with whom Mahler worked or befriended.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
A street banner promotes Mahler Nights, an activity that's part of the Concertgebouw's Mahler Festival 2025.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSOA Life Trustee Paul Wiggin (from left), Sarah Carrillo, wife of CSO horn Oto Carrillo (center), Lisa Wiggin and Life Trustee Robert Kohl settle in.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO viola Weijing Michal (right) sits down with tour patron Judy Tusynski..
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSOA trustees, CSO musicians and patrons assemble for dinner at the Michelin-rated Restaurant MOS Amsterdam.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Charles Grode (from left), Heidi Lukas, CSOA Trustee Lori Julian and Grace Gonia catch up before food service begins.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Keith Buncke (left), principal bassoon, talks with CSOA Trustee Leslie Burns (center) during dinner.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Houseboats line the many canals of Amsterdam, along with other vessels such as tour boats and self-drive boats.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
