American composer Charles Ives created his Holidays Symphony as a haunting sonic portrait of New England at the turn of the 20th century -- at turns sentimental and chaotic. Michael Tilson Thomas explores the riddle of Ives the loyal son and business man, and Ives the musical maverick who made listeners confront their understanding of what music could be. MTT's journey through Ives's music and influences brings a fresh understanding of this complex work.