Wanted In Chicago – An Ambassador Of Music

Conductor Daniel Barenboim paid close attention to the music as Chicago Symphony music director. But he was unwilling to be the orchestra’s ambassador to the community. “In shirking the role of community ombudsman and de facto fundraiser that the CSO board had envisioned for Barenboim when large deficits are an almost yearly occurrence, he created an untenable position for the institution, in the view of the trustees. Rather than face compromise or divert himself from his main concern — making music — the controversial, 61-year-old musician chose a graceful exit.” So what kind of director does the famed orchestra need?