As a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, I would like to take issue with a recent article describing the final CSO concerts given with Daniel Barenboim as music director (“Conductor gets highest honor,” Tempo, June 19). The article stated that the orchestra voted to declare Barenboim as “our Honorary Conductor for Life.”
We’ll never know if this sentiment is shared by a majority of Chicago Symphony members.
The meeting at which this resolution was voted on was attended by less than half of all CSO members.
A majority of those at the meeting agreed with the resolution, but it was never voted on by the entire orchestra.
Personally, while I have the greatest respect for Daniel Barenboim and enjoyed working with him, I believe that the position of CSO conductor, honorary or otherwise, belongs to no one person for life but belongs to future musicians to come.
The job will always be evolving, as new and fresh perspectives are brought before musicians and audiences alike. I greatly value the tenure of Daniel Barenboim, but I am looking forward to future CSO collaborations with conductors like the great Bernard Haitink and others who will conduct a passionate and dedicated Chicago Symphony Orchestra well into the 21st Century.
