a note from the chair and the president

Greetings, and welcome to Symphony Center, home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which recently returned from its seven-city, eight-concert North American tour. We are delighted to share the gifts of our extraordinary Orchestra with eager listeners in venues across the continent as well as at home in Chicago. The singular artistic collaboration of Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti and the CSO is to be treasured and celebrated, and we look forward to doing so in the weeks and months to come. To explore the Orchestra’s tour activities, which continue into March, please refer to page 6 of your program and visit cso.org/tour as well as our social media channels.

We are also pleased to have recently announced the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s 2023–24 season. Muti returns to open the season with three distinct programs, including the world premiere of a CSOcommissioned work by Philip Glass, The Triumph of the Octagon, and the annual Symphony Ball concert with violinist Leonidas Kavakos on September 23. Muti and the CSO also will undertake four weeks of touring activities in the United States and Europe next season with details to be announced at a later date.

In addition, a distinguished list of guest conductors from around the world will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and renowned soloists in an impressive array of repertoire, including works receiving their world and U.S. premieres, three additional CSO commissions, and many first CSO performances. CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery and CSO Artistin-Residence Hilary Hahn will continue to contribute their talents in ongoing projects with the Orchestra and the community.

Next season Symphony Center Presents continues its legacy of welcoming extraordinary artists across an array of ensembles, soloists, and genres, including the Staatskapelle Berlin conducted by Daniel Barenboim and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra with Sir Simon Rattle. The Piano and Chamber Music series are equally brilliant, and details of the Jazz series will be announced this spring.

To learn more about this and next season’s offerings, visit cso.org or pick up a brochure available in the lobby. Subscribing allows you to take advantage of the best prices and seats as well as special benefits.

We look forward to seeing you often at Symphony Center.

Mary Louise Gorno Chair, Board of Trustees Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association

Jeff Alexander President Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association