Chicago Symphony Director Riccardo Muti Given A Pacemaker

CHICAGO — Doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital say a common heart rhythm disturbance caused Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director Riccardo Muti (MOO'-ti) to faint during a rehearsal last week.

Cardiologist Bradley Knight said Friday that doctors have implanted a standard pacemaker to help ensure it doesn't happen again.

Knight says the 69-year-old Muti has superb heart function overall and that the pacemaker should correct the problem.

Muti suffered a jaw and facial fractures when he fell from the podium Feb. 3, and has been hospitalized since then.

CSO Association president Deborah Rutter says she has been in daily contact with Muti and hopes he can return to the podium soon.

Other conductors have filled in for Muti during the CSO's winter concert series.