Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Christian Gerhaher, Beethoven, 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 Amsterdam, Jaap van Zweden, a former violin prodigy and Juilliard graduate, became a celebrated conductor, leading orchestras globally, including the New York Philharmonic. Known for his recordings and opera works, van Zweden also co-founded a foundation aiding autistic children with music therapy.