© Jordan Fischer (9/12/2005)
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra began life in 1891 and is referred to as one of the American ‘Big Five’, alongside the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Philadelphia and Cleveland Orchestras. Like many of the internationally renowned orchestras, it can boast a stellar cast of musical greats that have previously stepped in as guest conductor, including Aaron Copland, Sergei Rachmaninov and André Previn.
The CSO is celebrating the inauguration of musical director Riccardo Muti this year, with expected classics such as Verdi’s Otello alongside brand new works like Bernard Rands’ Danza Petrificada, and a free concert in the Chicago Millenium Park. During the summer, it decamps to Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois, to participate in the Ravinia Festival.