Muti to Chicago

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is getting a new music director and it is Ricardo Muti. Now, I am a cultural zero when it comes to classical music. But Muti matters.

I saw him a few times when he conducted the Philadelphia Orchestra in the 80s. He defines 'maestro' with a commanding and dramatic presence.

When he conducts, he chops the air with his arms and his baton. He walks with a bearing that is intimidating (some would say charismatic). Tight, controlled, passionate, forceful. Chicago is lucky.