Around the Music Festival

The strike by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians reached its second day on March 12th. On the morning of 12th, music director Riccardo Muti visited the musicians who picket lined in front of the orchestra hall. Before the strike starts, Muti sends an open letter to the management asking for good solution.

According to media reports in the United States, among the music directors of top-class orchestras in the United States, Muti is the first conductor to visit the picket line of musicians in strike. Originally, the rehearsal by Muti was scheduled on this day. When Muti showed his face, members of the brass section were playing music in front of the hall.

In the picket line, Muti emphasizes that “I am not participating in the picket line. I am not here to attack the board,” in consideration of the management side. On the other hand, he said, “I listen to what the musicians have to say,” and showed the attitude of getting closer to the musicians. Due to the strike, the management has announced that it will stop the concert on the 14th and 16th.

Photo：Chicago Classical Review　/　Lawrence Johnson