Brahms with Boston Symphony Orchestra, Emanuel Ax, and more

Formed in 1881 by Henry Lee Higginson, the Boston Symphony Orchestra is a prominent U.S. ensemble known for acclaimed recordings, its Boston Pops offshoot, and historic leadership by renowned conductors including Serge Koussevitzky, Charles Munch, and Andris Nelsons.

Born in Poland, Grammy-winning classical pianist Emanuel Ax gained international fame after winning the 1974 Arthur Rubinstein Competition. He studied at Juilliard, signed with Sony Classical in 1987, and won eight Grammy Awards. Ax is widely known for his frequent collaborations with cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Johannes Brahms, born in Hamburg, Germany, was a pivotal Romantic era composer. He masterfully blended classical forms with rich harmonies and lyrical melodies in his symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. Celebrated for works like "Hungarian Dances" and his "Lullaby," he is considered one of classical music's "Three Bs" alongside Bach and Beethoven, leaving an enduring legacy.

John Coolidge Adams is an American composer and conductor whose works are among the most-performed in contemporary classical music. Particularly noted for his operas centering around historical events, such as Nixon in China and The Death of Klinghoffer, his minimalist style incorporates massive orchestral textures and neo-Romantic elements. He is a celebrated conductor who has led major orchestras worldwide and received numerous accolades, including the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Music.