Hilary Hahn to join CSO as first artist-in-residence

Tue Jun 22, 2021 at 10:00 am

By Lawrence A. Johnson

Violinist Hilary Hahn will begin her appointment as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s first artist-in-residence in September. Photo: Dana van Leeuwen

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has appointed Hilary Hahn as its first artist-in-residence. The American violinist will take up this post on September 1 and continue through June of 2023.

“I’m thrilled to be appointed Artist-in-Residence of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,” Hahn said in a statement released by the orchestra. “I have great admiration for the orchestra and Maestro Muti, and it is an honor to join their organization and be present in the city of Chicago over the next two seasons. Through the powerful conduit of the arts, a residency offers the chance to get to know a community and find ways to be helpful within it. I’m looking forward to exploring those connections and being of artistic service to the city of Chicago and its music lovers, and to making great music with the Chicago Symphony.”

In this newly created position, Hahn will be in Chicago for multiple residencies in each of her two seasons. In December she will perform Dvořák’s Violin Concerto with the CSO (a work the orchestra gave the U.S. premiere of in 1891). She will also perform a recital next spring in Symphony Center Presents’ yet-to-be-announced 2021-22 chamber series.

The release states that Hahn “is dedicated to amplifying diverse artistic voices and broadening access to classical music and…[she] will complement her public performances with a variety of educational and audience engagement initiatives.” 

Among these are the “Bring Your Own Baby” programs she inaugurated after becoming a mother. In these free special programs, parents are encouraged to acquaint their infants with live classical music, the events providing “a nurturing and welcoming environment for new parents to share their love of live classical music with their infants.”

Hahn made her CSO debut in 2007 playing the Goldmark Violin Concerto. She last appeared here in 2019 in a memorable performance of the Sibelius concerto.

“The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is committed to collaborating with musicians who inspire audiences with their artistry and love of music, “ said music director Riccardo Muti in a released statement. “I am looking forward to the ways that Hilary Hahn will work with the orchestra as CSO Artist-in-Residence and I commend her dedication to sharing music in new ways with audiences around the world, especially at this time when culture can be a healing force for all of us.”

Posted in News


Leave a Comment