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Signs and banners tout the main event at the Mesa Arts Center: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Riccardo Muti in concert. Outside, a patron sits on a bench as he waits for the doors to open.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
For the first concert on their 2026 West Coast Tour, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Riccardo Muti, Music Director Emeritus for Life, returned to the Ikeda Theatre, in Mesa, Arizona, where they performed in 2023.
The 1,600-seat Ikeda is part of the Mesa Arts Center, owned and operated by the city of Mesa. Arizona’s largest performing-arts complex, the center opened in 2005 and houses four theaters, a contemporary art museum, five art galleries and 14 art studios.
After an on-site rehearsal early on Thursday, Jan. 15, Muti returned to the podium that night at the Ikeda to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in works by Brahms, Stravinsky and Ravel.
Known for its warm acoustics, the Ikeda was inspired by and reflects the distinctive character of the 100,000-square-mile Sonoran Desert. That rich desert, mountain and canyon ecosystem covers much of southern Arizona, southeast California and large portions of the Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora.
Among the Mesa Arts Center’s architectural features are jagged angles, canted walls, sloping roofs and glass walls, all in regional colors and materials.
Next up on the CSO’s West Coast Tour, a 12-day and seven-concert sojourn, is a performance Jan. 17 at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, California.
Follow along on social media in the coming days: #CSOonTour
Before the rehearsal, Kenneth Olsen, assistant principal cello, relaxes backstage at the Ikeda Theatre.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO horn James Smelser appears in silhouette as he warms up before the morning rehearsal.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
John Bruce Yeh, assistant principal clarinet, is visited by daughter Molly, host of the Food Network's "Girl Meets Farm," and her husband, Nick Hagen.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh solos on the snare drum in Ravel's "Boléro," which builds over an ostinato rhythm.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Riccardo Muti, CSO's Music Director Emeritus for Life, drives home a point during rehearsal.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Always graceful, Riccardo Muti takes on an imploring posture.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
During a break, Principal Tuba Gene Porkorny visits with Barbara Bingham Deutscher, a former college classmate, and her guest, who traveled to Mesa for the concert.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO viola Weijing Michal is all smiles as she heads to the stage for the concert.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The clock ticks down as Concertmaster Robert Chen continues to warm up backstage.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
With the concert about to start, Riccardo Muti crosses a darkened area backstage.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The Mesa concert begins with Brahms' Symphony No. 4, which the CSO memorably performed with Muti during his fall 2025 residency at Symphony Center.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The Ikeda Theatre, seen during the Brahms' Fourth, is known for its warm acoustics, enhanced by its wood surfaces.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO horn Susanna Gaunt sits offstage during the Stravinsky, in which she doesn't perform. She's joined by guest clarinet Pavel Vinnitsky (far left).
Todd Rosenberg Photography
At intermission, bassoon Miles Maner (left) and Vadim Karpinos, assistant principal timpani, strike the stance of comrades.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Cello John Sharp (front, center) takes a solo turn during Stravinsky’s Divertimento, Suite from "The Fairy’s Kiss."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Trombone Tim Higgins takes a bow after the program closes with Ravel’s "Boléro."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
As their colleagues applaud, Muti hugs Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh after her stellar turn in Ravel’s "Boléro."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After the concert, Max Raimi and Kozue Funakoshi pack up their instruments for the flight to the Bay Area.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After the performance, Jenn Gunn greets Jarrett May, currently the piccolo player of the Phoenix Symphony and an alumnus of Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra, for which Gunn has served as a coach.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Perched in the driver's seat, this adorable pooch keeps watch as the load-out process begins at the Mesa Arts Center. Clark Transfer Trucking transports the orchestra's cases and equipment during the tour.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
