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When Riccardo Muti accepted the appointment as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 10th music director, he formally announced his intention to expand the Orchestra’s presence well beyond Symphony Center. “While making great music is at the heart of what we do,” said Muti, “preserving the legacy of symphonic music and providing opportunities for all to have access to the art form are of equal importance.” Over the next 12 years, Maestro Muti developed influential programs with the Negaunee Music Institute, the expansive education and community engagement wing of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. Under his visionary leadership, NMI has deepened the Orchestra’s engagement with communities across the city and abroad while nurturing a new generation of musicians and patrons. In Muti’s words, “In a challenging world, culture is one of the few things we have in our hands to save it.” Muti’s legacy is in his instilled core belief that music has the power to transform lives and bring people closer together — that music is a language that can continue to unite us. Initiatives Muti began, such as the Concerts for Chicago, concerts in juvenile justice facilities for incarcerated youth and open rehearsals, further exemplify his ongoing commitment to and appreciation for Chicago and for all those who love music and this remarkable orchestra. By providing broad and free access to the inspirational performances of the CSO today, the organization creates a future for classical music tomorrow. RICCARDO MUTI AND PHILIP GLASS
RICCARDO MUTI AND MASON BATES
JOHN SHARP AND RICCARDO MUTI
“So, I’m asking you to stay close to the Orchestra, to tell your friends, your colleagues to come and hear the Orchestra, not just to hear the music, but to receive through music beauty, harmony and, as Beethoven said, brotherhood.” — RICCARDO MUTI
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