Pictures at an Exhibition, composed by Modest Mussorgsky in 1874, is a renowned musical masterpiece. Originally a piano suite, it has achieved widespread acclaim, especially in orchestrated versions by Maurice Ravel and others. Mussorgsky drew inspiration in the artworks of his late friend Viktor Hartmann, using each movement to convey diverse moods. Most of the pieces were sketches, watercolors or conceptual designs, some of which were eventually lost.

In a contemporary twist, the San Francisco Symphony commissioned artists Liz Hernández and Fernando Escartíz to create new works in response to Mussorgsky's music and Hartmann’s art for a series of special concerts. This unique performance takes listeners on a sonic tour of an imaginary art exhibition, seamlessly transitioning between sections. This innovative exploration of the intersection between visual art and music not only breathes new life into Mussorgsky's iconic work but also highlights its enduring influence in both musical and visual arts realms.