[sarasota]

Trying to win more action in the Windy City now that Obama has won?

[Emperor Palpatine]

The Chicago has always been damn good. First under Reiner, then under Solti they were arguably one of the top if not the top American ensemble.

From personal experience I can tell you that when Solti and Barenboim had them any concerto soloist never had to worry about anything. You were as safe as a baby in its mother's arms when you played with them and could concentrate solely on developing your musical line. If you decided to slightly change something on spur of the moment regarding rubato or having a little fun with the score direction allargando they were there with no fear of a train wreck.