Final answer:
Whiteman invited George Gershwin to compose a piano concerto that combined jazz with classical music.
Step-by-step explanation:
The answer to your question is classical music.
Whiteman invited George Gershwin to compose a piano concerto that combined jazz with classical music. Gershwin's composition, Rhapsody in Blue, premiered in 1924 and became one of the most famous examples of merging jazz and classical styles.
This collaboration between Whiteman and Gershwin was significant because it helped bridge the gap between jazz, which was predominantly associated with African American culture, and classical music, which was seen as more sophisticated and highbrow. By incorporating elements of jazz into a classical composition, Gershwin showcased the artistic value and potential of jazz music.