Andris Nelsons with Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jessie Montgomery, and more

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.

Detroit's Habibi, co-founded by Rahill Jamalifard & Lenny Lynch, emerged in Brooklyn (2011). Celebrated for '60s girl-group pop with edge, they blend post-punk & Middle Eastern psych music. Noted by Pitchfork & The New Yorker; collaborated with MGMT's James Richardson.