Riccardo Muti addresses the audience at Symphony Center

On Thursday, September 23, Music Director Riccardo Muti joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a capacity audience at Symphony Center in a heartfelt reunion after more than nineteen months apart. To mark the momentous occasion, Muti opened the evening by addressing the vitality of culture: “You are here tonight because you need music … That is the reason why we are here. We are here to give you emotions, to give you the sound of beauty, of harmony.”

[orinobrien]

So wonderful to hear a conductor/Music Director speak these words of truth and comfort. Maestro Muti has given so much to orchestras he has conducted and to the audiences who have heard these concerts.

[lightswitch]

Orchestras MATTER. Music MATTERS.

Maestro, SO we’ll said…. ‘You are not here tonight because you did not know what to do with your evening…..you are here tonight because you NEED music….without music, the world would become ever more savage’.
Bravo, bravo, bravo.

[trapezemusic]

This man is simply amazing. I hope that people in the Chicago area will heed his beautiful words and support the orchestra more than ever.

[eduardotorres]

Audio and video recordings can and will never replace the experience of a live performance.

[raymondfallon]

Pretty good for a guy that couldn't find the way to say deep things. Chicago is lucky. Amazing this guy is going strong at 80. Great orchestra, great history. One of the best, deepest explanation of music and culture, and our universal need. Glad you posted this. Time for me to get tickets to see the BSO. We need it.

[chaucerintherain]

Everyone on the planet should hear this and take it to heart!

[willbaren]

So true. I wish I could give this a thousand likes.

[jeankroeber]

Oh, Mr. Muti's words have left me in 😭 tears, especially when he said the words of Beethoven...".. Brotherhood"--that brought a crescendo. Thank you so much.

[jenibern]

in tears, you are here because you need music.... bravo maestro

[mimiseton]

There is so much Beauty in this Truth! Thank you, Maestro Muti. Tears...

[DavidAndersen]

Chicago is truly blessed to have the Maestro as a cultural leader.

Dear sir, your presence is a great boon to us. And your English is very fine.

Thank you, sir.

Bless you.

[ChongQingWu]

“How much the lack of music can damage a society” - So much, Maestro. So glad you point it out. Your audiences are like candles. It is you and your musicians who light it up. Thank you.

[jesuisravi]

Chicago has a treasure in Riccardo Muti

[erexford]

This is very, very moving. Thank you for posting!

[wythetrumpet]

Maestro your speech is very special. It is wonderful to see the Chicago Symphony performing again! Over the course of my life I have seen music bring people together, even when they may differ in their political and personal views. I have seen Russian, Chinese and American musicians perform together. Music adds the element of love and respect for one another. Music is the universal language that bonds us together. Thank you Maestro and the wonderful musicians of the Chicago Symphony for bringing us together. God Bless You All!

[wbmusik]

Caro Maestro Muti, grazie per le parole che sono così appropriate per i tempi che stiamo vivendo. Possa tutti noi considerare seriamente l'importanza dell'armonia nella musica e dell'armonia oltre la musica. Bravo!

[jkviolinstudio]

Grazie Maestro Muti! Your English is better than many American high school students today. Thank you Chicago Symphony, one of the best orchestras on the planet & Maestro Muti, one of the greatest musicians in history 👍

[JoeWilsonKolb]

Brotherhood, yes! Thank you, Bravo, Maestro Muti!

[embouchure]

Bravo Maestro Muti, so well said!!!! wonderful words!!!

[bkwilco]

Wonderful testament on the power of music. Bravo!