Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Joyce DiDonato

Natalie Merchant, born in the U.S., is a celebrated folk-rock singer-songwriter known for her solo work and as lead of 10,000 Maniacs. She’s collaborated with Bragg, Glass, Byrne, and more, and is active in social justice and environmental causes.

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.

Prairie Village-born mezzo Joyce DiDonato shines in Baroque, Mozart, and bel canto opera. A Grammy winner, known for dazzling coloratura, she’s a Handel, Rossini, and contemporary music champion.