RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Claudio Abbado has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of eighty; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Claudio Abbado was a renowned Italian conductor whose career combined musical refinement and personal elegance; and
WHEREAS, The son of violinist and composer Michelangelo Abbado, Claudio Abbado studied conducting at the Vienna Academy of Music and the Chigiana Academy in Siena; and
WHEREAS, During his long and illustrious career, Claudio Abbado led world renowned orchestras and won international acclaim for his talent as a conductor; and
WHEREAS, Claudio Abbado served as the Musical Director of La Scala Opera House in Milan, Principal Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, Chief Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic and Principal Guest Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; and
WHEREAS, Claudio Abbado founded the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the European Union Youth Orchestra; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, flair and dedication of Claudio Abbado serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Claudio Abbado to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Claudio Abbado will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Claudio Abbado imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this fifth day of February, 2014, do hereby commemorate Claudio Abbado for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Claudio Abbado.