Barber with St. Louis Symphony, Elgar, and more

Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was a celebrated American classical composer, renowned for his lyrical and romantic style. His enduring works, including the iconic "Adagio for Strings," Violin Concerto, and opera "Vanessa," are frequently performed globally. A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Barber's compositions remain a cherished part of the classical music canon, cementing his legacy as a 20th-century master.

Sir Edward William Elgar was an English composer whose works in the orchestral idiom of late 19th-century Romanticism stimulated a renaissance of English music. Largely self-taught, he began his musical career in Worcester as a violinist, conductor, and teacher before gaining widespread recognition. His breakthrough came with the Enigma Variations in 1899, followed by major successes such as the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, the oratorio The Dream of Gerontius, and his elegiac Cello Concerto. Appointed Master of the King's Musick in 1924, Elgar's compositions are celebrated for their bold melodies, vibrant orchestration, and deep emotional resonance, entering the international classical concert repertoire.