Steven Reineke with Ben Folds and Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Emmy-nominated Ben Folds, born in North Carolina, is known for his multi-platinum pop music with Ben Folds Five, solo albums, and collaborations. He serves as Artistic Advisor to the NSO, curating the "Declassified" concert series. He scored acclaim with 2023’s "What Matters Most." A bestselling author, he also composes for film, TV, and theater. Folds founded "Keys For Kids" to support music education.

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.