Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, one of America's top orchestras, has a rich history intertwined with the New York Philharmonic. Founded by Theodore Thomas, the orchestra evolved under Frederick Stock, becoming renowned for premieres and high-quality performances. Fritz Reiner's tenure in the 1950s marked a renaissance, with the orchestra achieving international acclaim and producing best-selling recordings. Sir Georg Solti further enhanced the orchestra's reputation, introducing works by Mahler and Bruckner and fostering a quarter-century partnership with London Records. The orchestra has continued to excel under subsequent directors, including Daniel Barenboim, Bernard Haitink, and Riccardo Muti, maintaining its legacy of excellence in recordings and performances.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's legacy is upheld by its historic recordings under Reiner and Solti, which continue to be highly regarded. These recordings, along with those under Stock and Kubelik, have been reissued to great acclaim. The orchestra's current collaborations, including composer-in-residence and artist-in-residence programs, ensure its ongoing relevance and innovation in the classical music world. The orchestra's commitment to excellence, from its early days to the present, solidifies its position as one of the most esteemed orchestras in America.