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A program book, draped over a chair cushion, also marks a designated seat for the limited-capacity concert.
©Anne Ryan 2021
Emotions ran to happy extremes as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra returned May 27 to Orchestra Hall for its first live performances in 14 months.
The program, appropriately titled Fanfare, features triumphant music by American composers, performed by members of the CSO brass and percussion sections, conducted by Michael Mulcahy. Musicians, patrons and staff were overjoyed to return to Symphony Center, which like other arts venues worldwide, had been shuttered by the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020.
Before the concert began, welcome remarks were delivered from the Orchestra Hall stage by Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association President Jeff Alexander, Board of Trustees Chair Helen Zell and Members’ Committee Chair James Smelser.
"I can’t believe my eyes," Smelser said. “We have missed playing for you.” Though the CSO has presented virtual concerts during hiatus, Smelser said, "There’s nothing like a live audience. We learned what music ultimately means — to play for people. We hope to see you at Ravinia and back in the hall in September."
Zell echoed his remarks by adding "it’s all about being here live." She also hailed frontline and health-care workers who helped the CSO rehearse and perform virtual concerts during the pandemic.
Alexander also thanked city, state and federal programs that kept “the organization going and will allow us to emerge from the pandemic virtually unscathed.” He then introduced U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, congressman from Illinois’ 5th District, who was in attendance for this special concert.
Also attending were workers from Rush University System for Health, who delivered more than 1,250 screening tests to CSO musicians and staff during the pandemic.
Alexander ended with this simple but heartfelt statement: "It’s my honor for the first time in 475 days to utter the words, ’Thank you for coming and please enjoy the concert.’"
The live performances continue for three weeks, with new programs premiering June 3 and 10. All concerts are at capacity but programs are being filmed for possible release at future dates.
