New Millenium Orchestra, Chicago

Collaborating with artists and groups as diverse as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Grammy nominee Lupe Fiasco, New Millennium Orchestra of Chicago specializes in pushing the boundaries of symphonic music. Led by music director Francesco Milioto, the ensemble of nearly 30 leaps from classical to contemporary, working in live remixes, improv, mixed media, world music, and the occasional dance party along the way. The ensemble has a particular knack for opera—recent performances include Der Kaiser Von Atlantis, presented for free at the Pritzker Pavilion, and Verdi's Joan of Arc, a collaboration with Chicago Opera Theater.