The Arts Section 02/11/18

On this edition of The Arts Section, we'll be featuring interviews with the music directors at Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera. For the first time in 3 years, the CSO's Riccardo Muti sits down for a Chicago radio interview.  NewCity music critic Dennis Polkow asks the Maestro about the 2018-19 season and his new contract. Arts Section host Gary Zidek visits the Lyric Opera House to learn about the company’s approach to programming future seasons. Gary talks to Lyric general director Anthony Freud and music director Sir Andrew Davis.  The Dueling Critics stop by to review a new production of a lesser-known Sondheim production, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG.  Later in the program, Gary catches up with Chicago-based filmmaker Michael Glover Smith to talk about his new movie MERCURY IN RETROGRADE.  Gary also gets an up-close look at one of Chicago’s premiere acapella groups as they rehearse for a special Valentine’s Day performance.  All that, plus this week’s Arts Section Calendar.