The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel, Milwaukee

Great symphony orchestras can breathe new life into centuries-old works of art, but few can excel in looking to the future as well. For more than half a century, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra has done just that, enriching its community while drawing upon innovative technologies to reach listeners across the country. Its nationally syndicated radio broadcast, for instance, has filled the airwaves for more than four decades, transmitting the sounds of the MSO's 83 musicians to some 3.8 million listeners and their 7.6 million pets. The the orchestra also became the county's first to offer live recordings for download through iTunes. But it's not all internet and radio-play here—the MSO's pioneering spirit extends into its music, where it has premiered works by composers such as Philip Glass, Roberto Sierra, and Marc Neikrug.