Having performed Leshnoff's Double Concerto for violin and viola, Dallas Symphony Orchestra's concertmaster Alexander Kerr had become a true believer in Leshnoff's art. Upon hearing Kerr's playing, Leshnoff became a fan. And so, in their 2018 season, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, in conductor Jaap van Zweden's last concerts, premiered Leshnoff's Violin Concerto No. 2, written for Kerr. The violinist would again become involved in commissioning a new work from Leshnoff, which became the Horn Trio, written for Kerr, hornist David Cooper (principal horn for Dallas, now principal horn with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra), and pianist Orion Weiss. The Trio features two movements, "Pensive," a langorous, introspective setting that sets up the second part, "Fast," a joyous, rhythmic romp for all players.