One of the most important figures in the history of American classical music, Dean Dixon became the first African American to conduct a major symphony orchestra when he conducted the New York Philharmonic in 1941. In 1949 he left the states for Israel where he directed the Israel Philharmonic during it's 1950 and 1951 season. He later went on to conduct several major orchestras in Europe. Upon his return to the United States he conducted the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and San Francisco Symphony in the 1970 's. He also served as the conductor of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, where he gained fame for his children's concerts. He also was instrumental in introducing the works of American composers to European audiences of which this classic album released in 1974 is a prime example. Here Dixon conducts the Vienna Symphony performing the works of American composer, George Gershwin. All selections have been newly re-mastered.