European Tour 2014
Day 17: Back home again
After a whirlwind two and a half weeks, with nine concerts in five cities, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra…
Day 16: Goodbye, Vienna
Ahead of their final performance at the Musikverein, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra found time for sightseeing, rehearsal and…
Vienna in Lincoln Square: Forgotten songs in a faded shoebox
The rectangular hall is a gilded jewel box from a forgotten era, but bereft of sparkle. Swirling cornices are faded…
Day 15: Requiem in Vienna
Nearing the end of its week-long residency in Vienna, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs the first of two performances of…
Days 13 & 14: Exploring Vienna
With two days off before the next performance of their Musikverein residency, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra explored the…
Geneva in Geneva: Marching Vikings under Friday night lights
It’s a punishing day after a tiring week, but the musicians in Geneva are ready. At the 5:30 p.m. rehearsal,…
Paris via WhatsApp: Denise vis-à-vis Maestro
Two chiseled countenances go face-to-face in Paris on Saturday: CSO Music Director Riccardo Muti and my pal Denise Serafim. Concertgoers in…
Day 12: Second concert at the Musikverein
For its second concert in Vienna, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed the overture to Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, Debussy’s La mer and…
Luxembourg in Portage Park: Peter Reinberg’s progeny and prodigies
I’m on a tough oak bench in the principal’s office, and a stern, mustachioed Luxembourger stares me down. He’s not…
Day 11: Sold out in Vienna
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra began its week-long residency in Vienna with a sold-out concert, Citizen Musician activities and a welcome…
Day 9: Sold out in Paris
For the second sold-out concert at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra offered a program of Tchaikovsy’s…