In this episode of Sounds Classical, LaRob and Kristina showcase the composers “who got next!” Showcasing a playlist of their favorite composers who have been active in the last 20 years, evolving the genre as we know it, including Reena Esmail, Chen Yi, Vijay Iyer, and Viet Cuong!

The anniversary season will feature seven mainstage performances — including a holiday Messiah concert — all of which will be conducted by music director Stilian Kirov.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recently announced the 2017-18 lineup for its acclaimed series MusicNOW, celebrating 20 years of bringing contemporary music to Chicago.

DownBeat magazine gave Vijay Iyer the honors of Jazz Artist & Jazz Group of the Year in its 63rd Annual Critics Poll. But to Iyer, jazz is a bit of a four-letter word.