Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis

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.

Wynton Marsalis, born in New Orleans, is a renowned trumpeter, bandleader, and jazz advocate. As Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, he's known for his work with The Jazz Messengers and his role in rekindling global jazz interest. Marsalis has performed over 5,000 concerts globally and earned accolades, including being dubbed the "Pied Piper" of jazz.