Sheku Kanneh-Mason with Paavo Järvi 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.

British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason rose to fame after his 2018 royal wedding performance. The first black winner of BBC Young Musician (2016), his debut album "Inspiration" hit UK charts, featuring Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1. Known for collaborations with Sir Simon Rattle, Sheku has won two Classical BRIT Awards and the BRIT Certified Breakthrough Award, and went viral with his Bob Marley arrangement.