The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recently announced that it has received the largest philanthropic gifts in its history--$17 million from the Zell Family Foundation and $15 million from the Negaunee Foundation.
The Zell Foundation gift provides for the naming of the position of Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which has been held by Riccardo Muti since 2010. Maestro Muti recently renewed his five-year contract for an additional five years, through the 2019-20 season.
Under the terms of the Zell Foundation gift, the endowed position will be held by Maestro Muti for the remainder of his tenure, and by all future CSO music directors. This is the first time in the CSO's history that the position of music director has been endowed.
"Sam and Helen Zell have been longtime friends of the Orchestra, and since 2010 they have become my personal friends as well," Maestro Muti said in a statement released by the orchestra. "I am honored by this demonstration of great affection for the CSO through this generous gift. Endowing the position of the Music Director is a remarkable gesture of ongoing support of the Orchestra now and into the future."
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