The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus' Production Verdi's MACBETH to be Broadcast 11/22 and Will Be Available On Demand 11/24

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the WFMT Radio Network announce that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus' critically acclaimed performance of Verdi's Macbeth will be broadcast on November 22 and subsequently available for listening online, free and on demand for six weeks beginning November 24.

CSO Music Director Riccardo Muti, considered one of the finest living interpreters of Verdi's music, led the performance at Orchestra Hall in 2013 as part of the CSO's celebration of the 200th anniversary of Verdi's birth. The cast featured Luca Salsi (Macbeth), Tatiana Serjan (Lady Macbeth), Dmitry Belosselskiy (Banco), Francesco Meli (Macduff) and the Chicago Symphony Chorus, prepared by Duain Wolfe.

On Saturday, November 22 at 12 p.m. CST, the live recording of the 2013 performance will be broadcast on WFMT-FM (98.7) in Chicago, and streamed online at www.wfmt.com. In addition, the program can be heard on more than 300 other radio stations and broadcasting outlets throughout the United States via the WFMT Radio Network.

For six weeks beginning on Monday, November 24, the same live recording will be available free on demand athttp://CSO.org/radioMacb, on the radio channel of the multimedia magazine, CSO Sounds & Stories.

The performance is approximately three hours, including brief commentary from Lisa Simeone, host of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Radio Broadcast Series. The producer is Brian Bell.

Critics were unanimous in praising all the performers. The Chicago Tribune (9/29/13) stated, "Together with the splendid Chicago Symphony Chorus and a virtuoso orchestra that made up in power and precision what it lacks in operatic playing experience, Muti led a finely detailed, dramatically gripping account that kept one focused on the inexorable unfolding of a great Shakespearean tragedy, retold through Verdi's great music. The audience leapt to its feet at the end of the performance applauding and cheering into the night."

The Chicago Sun-Times (9/29/13) declared, "The Macbeth of Italian baritone Luca Salsi and the Lady Macbeth of Russian coloratura soprano Tatiana Serjan were simply spellbinding. ...Russian bass Dimitry Belosselskiy was a reserved but noble Banquo, bringing a nicely grained vocal line to his apprehension-filled aria. Francesco Meli's strong, expressive tenor made him a touching Macduff. ...Macbeth is full of orchestral color, and Muti and the CSO explored every last detail."

Photo Courtesy of the CSO