Breaking: Muti gets new contract at Chicago

The conductor Riccardo Muti, who turned 80 this summer, has been awarded a one-year contract extension as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, ending mid-2023.

He was due to go at the end of the present season, but the long Covid layoff and the inability to test prospective successors has led to a contract extension, one which buys the orchestra some time and the maestro a longer fadeout.

Here’s what they are saying:

“On behalf of the Association’s Board of Trustees, it gives me great pleasure to share this exciting news today,” said Helen Zell, CSOA Board Chair. “The unique artistry of Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is recognized as something truly exceptional not only in Chicago, but also around the world. After such a challenging time without the opportunity to connect to the joy of live music, we are grateful that Maestro Muti has accepted our invitation to stay with us to make music that lifts our spirits and inspires us.”

“I look forward to being in Chicago again with the musicians to bring music back into the city,” said Riccardo Muti. “I am very proud of the musicians of this great orchestra and happy to stay as music director to continue our great artistic collaboration, and to work with our Trustees, volunteers and Administration to keep music an important part of our community and a beacon of hope around the world.”