Bartok with Boston Symphony Orchestra, Haydn, and more

Founded in Boston (1881), top U.S. symphony rooted in German tradition; famed RCA & DG recordings, Tanglewood. Premiered Stravinsky/Bartók; played Spielberg films with John Williams.

Béla Bartók was a Hungarian composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist, widely regarded as one of the most important composers of the 20th century. Alongside Zoltán Kodály, he pioneered the study of folk music, capturing indigenous Central European melodies and integrating them into his modernist classical compositions. His notable works include his six string quartets, the opera Bluebeard's Castle, and the Concerto for Orchestra. Faced with the rise of fascism in Europe, he immigrated to the United States in 1940, where he continued to compose until his death from leukemia in 1945.

Franz Joseph Haydn, born in Rohrau, Austria, was a pivotal Classical composer. Known as the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet," his prolific output includes 104 symphonies and 68 string quartets. His innovative style, marked by wit and humor, shaped instrumental music. Notable works include the "London" symphonies and oratorios like "The Creation." He influenced Mozart and taught Beethoven.

NYC-born conductor famed for emotionally charged, technically superb performances; Chief Conductor, Netherlands Radio Philharmonic; Principal Guest, London Philharmonic & RSB Berlin.