  First we introduce the two tau-functions which appeared either as the
$\tau$-function of the integrable hierarchy governing the Riemann mapping of
Jordan curves or in conformal field theory and the universal Grassmannian. Then
we discuss various aspects of their interrelation. Subsequently, we establish a
novel connection between free probability, growth models and integrable
systems, in particular for second order freeness, and summarise it in a
dictionary. This extends the previous link between conformal maps and large
$N$-matrix integrals to (higher) order free probability. Within this context of
dynamically evolving contours, we determine a class of driving functions for
controlled Loewner-Kufarev equations, which enables us to give a continuity
estimate for the solution to such equations when embedded into the Segal-Wilson
Grassmannian.
