Andris Nelsons with Boston Symphony Orchestra and Leonidas Kavakos

Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, supported by banker Henry Lee Higginson, is a pillar of U.S. orchestral culture. Its legendary recordings, especially on RCA Victor, benefit from Boston's Symphony Hall acoustics. Known for premieres of works by Stravinsky and Bartók, it has been led by conductors Monteux, Koussevitsky, and Ozawa. It also has ties with Tanglewood Music Festival and contributed to film scores like Spielberg's "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan" with John Williams.

Leonidas Kavakos, born in Athens, is a renowned violinist and conductor. Known for his Sibelius Violin Concerto recording, he won Gramophone's Concerto of the Year. Kavakos frequently collaborates with Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma, performing and recording chamber music, including Beethoven trios. He has toured worldwide and was a principal guest artist with Camerata Salzburg.