Boston Symphony Orchestra

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.

Riga-born conductor; Music Director Boston Symphony & Gewandhauskapellmeister Leipzig. DG exclusive; known for Shostakovich, Bruckner & Beethoven cycles; 4 Grammys.

Ludwig van Beethoven, a German composer and pianist from Bonn, bridged the Classical and Romantic eras with his innovative, emotionally intense music. Renowned for works like the "Moonlight Sonata," Fifth Symphony, and Ninth Symphony, he revolutionized instrumental music, elevating it to high art. He continued composing despite profound deafness.