Born 7 May 1840 – Died 6 November 1893

Russian composer best known for his symphonies, concertos, operas, and ballets—work that remains staple repertoire for orchestras worldwide. His theatrical music in particular struck a chord that still resonates; he essentially opened the door for Russian composers to achieve major international recognition, something no Russian composer had managed before him.

Later in life, Tchaikovsky stepped into the conductor's podium, leading orchestras across Europe and America. He made a notable appearance at Carnegie Hall's inaugural concert in New York in 1891. Emperor Alexander III honored him with a lifetime pension in the mid-to-late 1880s, cementing his status at home. He also composed chamber music and a choral setting of the Russian Orthodox Divine Liturgy, though these receive less attention than his symphonic and ballet work.