In Wednesday’s (11/23) Cincinnati Enquirer, Janelle Gelfand writes, “The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has much to be thankful for, in this turbulent time for the economy and the arts. Monday night’s concert in Music Hall, dubbed ‘CSO gives thanks,’ was not only a thanks to its loyal audience – evidenced by a substantial crowd, including many families that filled the seats. It was also a love letter to the orchestra’s patron, Louise Dieterle Nippert, who turned 100 this year. The musicians presented Nippert, who sat in her box, with a portrait of her painted by Cincinnati native Jon J Muth, which they commissioned in honor of her 100th birthday. On Friday, Nippert made a generous gift to the orchestra to fund two pension plans, enabling the extension of its contract with the musicians. … In addition, the concert, which benefited the musicians’ pension fund, was an opportunity to invite back guest conductor Roberto Abbado, as the Cincinnati Symphony searches for a new music director. Abbado, 56, a native of Milan, Italy, and Claudio Abbado’s nephew, made his Music Hall debut in April with a galvanizing performance of Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition.’ He has appeared with many major orchestras and opera companies, and is an artistic partner with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.”
Posted November 23, 2011
