Thursday’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert in Orchestra Hall marked two noteworthy milestones: the launch of the venerable ensemble’s 2022-2023 line-up and the beginning of Riccardo Muti’s 13th and final season as music director.
The celebrated Italian maestro, who turned 81 in July and appears fit and energetic, has not planned any festivals or complete sets of works for his final appearances. Instead, he is taking a more measured approach — leading some premieres, returning to pieces he has already performed with the CSO, and taking on other selections that clearly have special meaning to him in one way or another.
