Cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed a special tribute for Mrs. Daley. It took place during the wrap up of the Chicago Youth in Music Festival at Symphony Center. Yo-Yo Ma praised the city's first lady for her support of the arts in Chicago.
Deborah Rutter, the president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, echoed his comments, calling Mrs. Daley "our greatest champion." She also read a letter from Lady Valerie Solti, the widow of the former CSO music director Sir Georg Solti: "Darling Maggie, thank you for our personal friendship, for gaiety, for courage, warmth and your example to us all of how to cherish everything we have with gratitude. God bless you Maggie, we love you."
Current music Director Riccardo Muti went into the audience to speak with the Daleys and he could be seen hugging the mayor.
