Esa-Pekka Salonen and Chicago Symphony Orchestra

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.

Esa-Pekka Salonen, born in Finland, is known for innovating 21st-century classical music. Principal Conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra, he founded the Baltic Sea Festival and won the Grawemeyer Award for his Violin Concerto. Salonen collaborates with Yo-Yo Ma and Yefim Bronfman and is acclaimed for combining technical virtuosity with rhythmic and melodic innovations. He has also pioneered virtual-reality music presentations and interactive apps.