Conrad Tao with Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Gershwin, and more

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.

Born in Urbana, Illinois, Conrad Tao is a celebrated pianist, composer, and violinist known for his dynamic performances. A 2011 "30 Under 30" honoree by Forbes, he's won multiple ASCAP Morton Gould Awards, a Gilmore Young Artist accolade, and an Avery Fisher Career Grant. He founded the UNPLAY Festival, played on Jackie Evancho's special, and has collaborated with orchestras worldwide. His acclaimed albums include "Voyages" and "American Rage."

George Gershwin, born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1898, was an American composer who blended jazz, popular, and classical music. He created iconic works like "Rhapsody in Blue," "An American in Paris," and the opera "Porgy and Bess" (featuring "Summertime"). Collaborating often with his brother Ira, he composed numerous Broadway hits. Gershwin received a Pulitzer Prize for "Of Thee I Sing" and his music remains celebrated worldwide.

Leonard Bernstein, born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was an iconic American conductor, composer, and educator. He seamlessly blended classical, jazz, and Broadway styles. Celebrated for "West Side Story," "Candide," and his symphonies, he garnered 16 Grammys, 7 Emmys, and 2 Tonys. As New York Philharmonic's first American-born music director, he championed music education and collaborated notably with Jerome Robbins.

James Gaffigan is an American conductor born in New York City, known for his work with symphony orchestras and opera. He won the 2004 Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition. Gaffigan has held positions with the San Francisco Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra, and serves as General Music Director of Komische Oper Berlin and Music Director of the Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra. He is also Music Director Designate for Houston Grand Opera.