Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Evgeny Kissin

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, established in 1891 by Theodore Thomas, stands as a top American orchestra, renowned for precision and rich sound. It gained prominence under conductors like Fritz Reiner, who started its recording legacy, and Sir Georg Solti, substantially boosting its global acclaim and record sales. Their works with Mahler and Bruckner became iconic. Solti won the most Grammy Awards of any musician. The orchestra continuously reissues past revered recordings, maintaining its legacy. Recently, artists like Jessie Montgomery and Hilary Hahn collaborated with the ensemble.

Moscow-born pianist Evgeny Kissin, famed for his Russian virtuoso style, began as a child prodigy and rose to global stardom. Known for works by Chopin and Tchaikovsky, he's collaborated with top orchestras and conductors like Ashkenazy and Rattle. Kissin is a multi-award winner, including three Grammys, and the youngest Musician of the Year by Musical America. He records with major labels and has over 100 releases, spanning Romantic to Russian pieces. Also a poet and composer, his works include a String Quartet. Kissin advocates for Israel and protested Russia's invasion of Ukraine.