CSOradio
CSOtv
CSOradio
Jackson Hall of the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts prepares to welcome the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra capped the Bay Area portion of its West Coast Tour 2026 with a concert Jan. 18 at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, on the campus of the University of California-Davis.
The concert marked the debut appearance of the CSO and Music Director Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti at Jackson Hall of the Mondavi Center. The CSO traveled by bus from San Francisco to the sold-out matinee program, in which they performed orchestral staples such as Brahms’ tempestuous Fourth Symphony and Ravel’s percussive Boléro. A standing ovation and subsequent encore of the overture to Verdi’s opera Nabucco capped the afternoon.
After the concert, Principal Trumpet Esteban Batallan conducted a masterclass, while others caught segments of the Bears’ playoff game before boarding buses back to San Francisco. On Monday, Jan. 19, musicians left for Palm Springs, ahead of the next tour concert Jan. 21 at McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.
CSO viola Catherine Brubaker grabs a morning coffee before the bus trip to Davis.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
One of San Francisco's historic streetcars trundles along Market Street, near the CSO's hotel.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Baird Dodge, principal second violin, and his children head to the hotel lobby.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO violin Simon Michal gets in some entertainment time during the bus ride to Davis.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
On the ride to Davis, CSO trumpet Tage Larsen reads "Nations Apart: How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America" by Colin Woodard.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO musicians are treated to a sunny California panorama while on the way to Davis.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After arriving at Jacksosn Hall, Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh and horn James Smelser wheel away their cases.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After arriving at Jackson Hall, CSO horn Susanna Gaunt (left) meets up with an old friend.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Tuba Gene Pokorny unpacks after arriving al Jackson Hall for the matinee concert.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO clarinet Gregory Smith (left) and Principal Clarinet Stephen Williamson move into view during Brahms' Fourth.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Mark Almond, principal horn, takes a bow after Brahms' Fourth Symphony.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
At intermission, Principal Viola Teng Li fields a question from an audience member at Jackson Hall in Davis.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
During intermission, CSO Stage Manager Christopher Lewis moves the harp into place for the Stravinsky.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
David Herbert, principal trimpani, speaks with bass Daniel Carlson (right) at intermission.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
As the second half of the concert starts, here's a view from the rear of Jackson Hall.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After Stravinsky's "The Fairy's Kiss" ends, Riccardo Muti congratulates Principal Cello John Sharp.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
William Buchman, assistant principal bassoon, takes a bow.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
During a break, Riccardo Muti shakes the hand of a young patron in the front row.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
CSO percussionist Patsy Dash and guest musician Christopher Riggs add to the rhythmic fireworks in "Boléro."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Riccardo Muti beams as Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh takes a bow for her percussive brilliance in "Boléro."
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Principal Bassoon Keith Buncke takes a bow.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
With the concert over, Robert Chen checks in on the progress of the Chicago Bears/Green Bay Packers game.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
After the concert, Principal Trumpet Esteban Batallán conducts a masterclass with a University of California student.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
