Ken David Masur Is The New Principal Conductor Of The Civic Orchestra Of Chicago

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association announced Thursday that Ken-David Masur has been named principal conductor of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the CSO’s century-old, 90-member training ensemble for professional musicians.

And, while Kurt Masur was known to be an imposing, old-school authoritarian, it sounds like Masur 2.0 will be something else. CSO education director Jonathan McCormick notes in the announcement that “since his podium debut in 2016/2017 Maestro Masur has made an overwhelmingly positive impression on the entire Civic Orchestra family.” He cites his “musicianship,” “generous spirit,” and “effectiveness as an educator and mentor.”