No-show Solti

January 24, 1989|By Virginia M. Coleman.

NORTHBROOK — On Jan. 14, John von Rhein, in his critique of the Chicago Symphony subscription performance, mentioned quite casually that Sir Georg Solti is canceling his Jan. 28 performance because he is ``no longer able to conduct a four-concert week along with rehearsals and administrative duties.``

Once again, the most loyal and generous supporters of the CSO (the subscription ticket holders) have been ``shafted.`` Each concert costs me $38.99, and now, because the maestro is too infirm, I will not hear the conductor of my orchestra on the only day of the series to which I am entitled to hear him and not someone else. What will happen in 1990 and in 1991 when he finally retires?

I find it difficult to believe that the powers-that-be did not know he wouldn`t show when they sold me my tickets in August. Why doesn`t Sir Georg cancel some of his performances in London or his rigorous road trips instead of short-changing the faithful and long-suffering subscription ticket holders? Perhaps the English wouldn`t stand for it.

I am 65 years old and have been a subscriber since my 5th birthday. When I was a child, Dr. Frederick Stock appeared every week. The ticket holders would not have put up with less.