This Chicago Symphony Orchestra program running through Saturday offers an exciting glimpse into what Mäkelä, the group's music director designate, has in store for local audiences.

Washington, D.C.'s performing arts center was named for President Kennedy after his assassination. But his vision for the arts as a cornerstone of democracy was shared by Eisenhower and Johnson.

Nestled in the middle of all of it was Yunchan Lim, the mop-haired 21-year-old who made history three years ago as the Van ...