| This summer, under the leadership of Chief Conductor Marin Alsop, Ravinia will host National Seminario Ravinia: Orchestras For All, a gathering of more than 100 students from El Sistema-inspired organizations in 15 states and Canada, including Sistema Ravinia. Participating students will experience four days of orchestral training and mentorship from members of the National Seminario Ravinia Orchestra Partner Chicago Philharmonic. “Our vision at the Chicago Philharmonic is to create a more inclusive future for symphonic music, and investing upstream in the next generation of musicians is essential to this mission,” said Terell Johnson, Chicago Philharmonic Executive Director.
National Seminario Ravinia extends the vision of Reach Teach Play to open doors where everyone can access and experience the positive impact of music and create pathways for continued success. “Bringing this diverse group of kids together from around the country will be such a special experience,” said Christine Taylor Conda, Director of Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play education programs. “We hope that students will see that this movement [El Sistema] is much larger and more connected than just their local ensemble or community, that they will be challenged musically, and that they will develop lasting friendships.”
The Seminario, which takes place July 5–8, culminates in a free, public side-by-side Pavilion concert with Chicago Philharmonic on July 8. Marin Alsop and Jonathan Rush will lead performances of Ravel’s Boléro, a newly commissioned work, and as a nod to the Global Ode to Joy project, an arrangement of Beethoven’s familiar tune. In addition, Ravinia—in partnership with El Sistema USA—will provide a series of professional development workshops for the participating programs’ teachers and administrators.
To learn more about Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play programs, visit ravinia.org/ReachTeachPlay. For more information about National Seminario Ravinia and the free July 8 performance, visit ravinia.org/seminario.
RECITALS AND CHAMBER MUSIC
A wide array of classical music beyond the symphonic repertoire is offered this summer, from recitals to chamber music and uniquely curated presentations in the Martin Theatre, Bennett Gordon Hall, and the Pavilion.
- June 18–Arnaud Sussman^, violin, and Michael Stephen Brown^, piano; Bennett Gordon Hall
- June 21–Karim Sulayman, tenor, and Sean Shibe*, guitar, in a program featuring music written for guitar and its cousins and ancestors—including vihuela, lute, and oud—and juxtaposes musical influences from both East and West, including the world premiere of Lebanese composer Layale Chaker’s A Butterfly in New York; Bennett Gordon Hall
- June 28–Jorge Federico Osorio, piano, in a program of Brahms and Beethoven; Martin Theatre
- June 29–Calidore Quartet, all-Beethoven program; Martin Theatre
- July 1–Steans Music Institute faculty Miriam Fried and Mark Steinberg, violin, Paul Biss and Kim Kashkashian, viola, Marcy Rosen, cello, and Alessio Bax, piano, in a program of Haydn, Busoni, and Brahms; Martin Theatre
- July 8–Apollo’s Fire, program of Irish folk music curated by artistic director and harpsichordist Jeannette Sorrell; Martin Theatre
- July 20–Ariel Quartet^, Ayano Ninomiya^, violin, Matthew Lipman^, viola, Karen Ouzounian^, cello, Henry Kramer^, piano, and other alumni of the Ravinia Steans Music Institute Program for Piano & Strings in a salon-style program of stories and favorite music and memories celebrating Miriam Fried’s 30 years as director; Bennett Gordon Hall
- July 27–Danish String Quartet, program ranges from Haydn and Bach to Shostakovich and Nordic folk music; Martin Theatre
- August 15–Ailyn Pérez, soprano, and Kevin Murphy, piano, Martin Theatre
- August 22–Lara Downes, piano, and Nicole Cabell, soprano, with a program of music by women composers ranging from Clarice Assad to Florence Price and Billie Holiday to Missy Mazzoli; Bennett Gordon Hall
- August 27–Misha Dichter, piano, program of Brahms, Beethoven Debussy, and Liszt; Bennett Gordon Hall
- September 2–Jory Vinikour, harpsichord, Bennett Gordon Hall
- September 3–Tessa Lark^, violin, in a program of Ysaÿe’s Sonatas interspersed with Lark’s own compositions; Bennett Gordon Hall
- September 5–Music of the Baroque, Jane Glover, conductor, and James Ehnes, violin; Martin Theatre
- September 9–Black Oak Ensemble* will play instruments from Violins of Hope, a project of concerts featuring a private collection of violins, violas, and cellos that belonged to Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, with music by composers that lost their lives then, as well; Bennett Gordon Hall
FAMILY AND FILM
Ravinia continues to offer a variety of programs for all ages, with some events specifically geared toward children and families. Performances take place in the Pavilion unless otherwise noted.
- Ralph’s World, June 24, Carousel
- National Seminario Ravinia Orchestra side-by-side with Chicago Philharmonic, July 8
- Laurie Berkner, July 30
- Opera for the Young: Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, August 12, Martin Theatre
- Okee Dokee Brothers*, August 26, Carousel
- Encanto In Concert, complete film with live score performed by Chicago Philharmonic with conductor Thiago Tiberio, August 27
- Jurassic Park 3oth Anniversary In Concert, complete film with live score performed by Chicago Philharmonic with conductor Scott Terrell*, August 29
JAZZ, BLUES, FOLK, GOSPEL, AND AMERICAN SONGBOOK
Ravinia continues to lead the way with its signature mix of programming across a wide array of genres, with an expanded set of offerings at the Carousel, both as opening acts and stand-alone events.
- Michael Feinstein & Jean-Yves Thibaudet, June 14, Martin Theatre
- Jacob Collier and Lawrence*, with a pre-concert performance at the Carousel by Tiny Habits, June 16
- Pat Metheny, June 20
- Melody Gardot*, June 22, Martin Theatre
- Adrian Dunn Singers, July 14, Carousel (before that evening’s CSO concert)
- Maria Schneider Orchestra, with a pre-concert performance at the Carousel by Alexis Lombre^ and Ravinia Jazz Scholars Alumni, July 23 (Part of Breaking Barriers Festival)
- Rebirth Brass Band*, July 26
- Elvin Bishop* & Charlie Musselwhite, August 3, Carousel
- Boz Scaggs and Keb’ Mo’, August 6
- The Special Consensus*, August 8, Carousel
- Buddy Guy and George Benson, August 23
- Steans Music Institute Jazz Directors Billy Childs, Rufus Reid, and Steve Wilson, plus Sara Caswell^ and Christian Euman*, with Kurt Elling, September 8, Martin Theatre
GLOBAL MUSIC and LATIN
- Jesse & Joy*, June 25
- Natalia Lafourcade*, July 22 (Part of Breaking Barriers Festival)
- Shakti* and Béla Fleck, September 3
- Seventh annual Fiesta Ravinia, with Reik*, September 10
POP, ROCK, R&B, INDIE, HIP-HOP, COUNTRY, and DJs
- Ms. Lauryn Hill, June 17
- Chicago, with a pre-concert performance at the Carousel by the Ravinia Jazz Scholars, June 18
- Counting Crows and Dashboard Confessional, with a pre-concert performance at the Carousel by Glory Days*, June 23
- Charlie Puth*, with a pre-concert performance at the Carousel by Summer League*, Bitter Jester Festival (local Battle of the Bands) 2022 Finalist, June 24
- Santana, June 30 and July 1
- Straight No Chaser* and Ambrosia*, July 2
- Ne-Yo*, July 7
- John Fogerty and Hearty Har*, July 9
- Miko Marks*, July 13, Carousel
- Jason Mraz and His SuperBand, August 2
- Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd & The Monsters, August 12
- John Legend, August 13 and 14
- Jethro Tull, August 18
- Kenny Loggins and Yacht Rock Revue, August 19
- Classic Albums Live Dark Side of the Moon, August 25
- Boyz II Men* and The Isley Brothers*, August 26
- Train and Parmalee*, August 30
- Brandi Carlile, August 31
- Carrie Underwood, September 1 and 2
- Queen! featuring resident DJs Derrick Carter, Michael Serafini, and Garrett David, with Hosts Lucy Stoole, Nico, and special guests, September 9, Carousel
DANCE
- Ruth Page Civic Ballet & Friends, June 15, Bennett Gordon Hall
- Ruth Page Civic Ballet & Friends, June 17, Bennett Gordon Hall
- Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project: Metamorphosis, September 7, Pavilion
THE RAVINIA STEANS MUSIC INSTITUTE (RSMI)
Founded in 1988, the Ravinia Steans Music Institute is an international destination for young professional classical pianists and string players, classical singers, and jazz musicians devoted to uniquely honing and advancing their talents as collaborative artists. Since opening its doors, RSMI has offered private coaching, master classes, and performance opportunities to over 1,600 exceptional musicians, many of whom have cultivated highly visible and successful careers in performance, leadership, and music education.
This summer marks acclaimed violinist Miriam Fried’s final year as the Piano & Strings program director after 30 years of leadership. During her tenure, she has trained numerous program alumni who have gone on to distinguished, often award-winning, careers and credit her as an integral part of their training and success.
“We’re pleased to salute our own Miriam Fried, the director of the Steans Music Institute Piano & Strings program, who concludes her three-decade-long tenure in that role this summer,” said Haydon. “We look forward to honoring Miriam and her countless contributions to the world of classical music in a special tribute concert with stories and a salon of favorite music and memories from RSMI alumni on July 20 with the Ariel Quartet, pianist Henry Kramer, violinist Ayano Ninomiya, violist Matthew Lipman, and cellist Karen Ouzounian.”
RSMI musicians perform roughly two dozen programs during the summer season on their home stage—the purpose-built Bennett Gordon Hall. All concerts are open to the public and are a mix of free and ticketed events. The performances are also livestreamed or later uploaded to Ravinia’s YouTube channel.
Bridges Competition: Now in its fifth year, Ravinia’s 2023 Bridges Composition Competition spotlights its winners, who merge the genres of jazz and classical chamber music in their new works. The winning pieces are premiered by an ensemble mostly comprising RSMI alumni on June 6.
Jazz Grandstand: Musicians from RSMI’s Program for Jazz showcase their talents in an evening of original charts on June 13, all composed and workshopped during their one-week residency at Ravinia, led by faculty members Billy Childs, Rufus Reid, and Steve Wilson.
Piano & Strings Concerts: During their intensive five-week RSMI residency, Piano & Strings fellows will be featured across three master classes and 12 concerts throughout the summer, including the premiere of Untranslatable by James Lee III, a string quartet commissioned by Ravinia in honor of Miriam Fried’s 30 years leading the program on July 14, and a concert that is a part of Breaking Barriers. Master classes and concerts will be presented in Bennett Gordon Hall on June 22, 28–30; July 5–7, 10, 13–15, 17, 19, 21, and 22; all events will be livestreamed except the July 6, 10, and 17 concerts.
Vocal Concerts: The three-week residency of fellows in the Program for Singers offers master classes and six performances spotlighting the breadth of vocal song repertoire. Highlights include August 7’s “Your Tired, Your Poor”: Migration in Song, a program curated by dramaturg and RSMI faculty member Cori Ellison that traces the migrant experience in music ranging from songs of the Sephardim expelled from Inquisition Spain to the refugees who built 20th-century America; an August 12 concert by faculty member and pianist Graham Johnson, sharing his expertise on German Lieder and French mélodie through lecture and song; and a program of American Songbook standards on August 19 with repertoire curated by Kurt Elling and featuring arrangements by bandleader Lee Musiker. Master classes and other concerts will be presented in Bennett Gordon Hall on August 1, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, and 19; all events will be livestreamed except the August 7, 12, and 19 concerts.
To learn more about the Ravinia Steans Music Institute programs, visit ravinia.org/Steans
THE RAVINIA MUSIC BOX
The Ravinia Music Box presents an immersive theater experience designed to capture the imagination and introduce one of music’s most iconic figures to audiences of all ages. Featuring a gallery space in addition to the holographic “show” entitled Bernstein’s Answer, the indoor experience is sure to pique curiosity about music and its rich history.
This summer, the museum gallery features a new exhibit highlighting the legacy of Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Billie Holiday. Beautifully captured through the lens of photographer Jerry Dantzic, the 375 running foot exhibition provides a rare glimpse into Holiday’s public and private life through 65 pigment prints with labels, curated panels, ephemera, projected video, and vinyl excerpts from the work of renowned writer and author Zadie Smith. The Ravinia Music Box is open on all Pavilion concert dates, from gate opening through intermission; admission is free to patrons in the park. Bernstein’s Answer plays every 20 minutes beginning at gate opening. Guests should allow 30 minutes to experience the complete program and exhibition gallery.
SEATING AND VENUES
Ravinia will present performances in all of its venues, including the main-stage Pavilion, the indoor Martin Theatre and Bennett Gordon Hall, and the outdoor Carousel stage, which will have expanded offerings of casual concerts and opening acts on the North Lawn. All seats in the Pavilion are reserved. At these performances, Premium Lawn Blocks will be available to reserve on the South Lawn in configurations of two, four, or six people and will feature a dedicated screen showing the stage. Due to popular demand, the South Lawn will accommodate 100 additional guests among the Premium Lawn Blocks. The North Lawn will have general admission access with first-come, first-served seating.
TRANSPORTATION
Ravinia Festival continues its collaboration with Metra through the 2023 summer season. Under this partnership, all trains on the Union Pacific North Line will honor Ravinia tickets as train fares; patrons can show their dated concert e-ticket for a free train ride to and from the park on the day of the event.
This summer, remote parking will continue to be consolidated in downtown Highland Park; park-and-ride buses will cycle as needed to and from the park on designated concert days.
DINING
Patrons can bring picnics or choose from a selection of in-park dining options. The Ravinia Market features a selection of festival favorites and beverages. New this season, Ravinia Cafe will be open on all concert nights and will offer coffee and an assortment of ice cream, as well as grab-and-go snacks. Mobile carts throughout the park provide a variety of seasonal options, including beverage carts with premium ready-to-drink cocktails, spiked seltzers, wine, and craft beers. Indoor and outdoor dining options will be available at the Park View, Tree Top, and Lawn Bar restaurants in the Dining Pavilion. Each restaurant has a covered outdoor patio for open-air service, and reservations are strongly recommended. Catering options are available for group events in reserved spaces in select areas as part of packages that include tickets and customized menus.
ABOUT RAVINIA
Ravinia believes in the power of shared, live-music moments to inspire ourselves and the world. Beyond presenting outstanding performances by the world’s greatest musicians, the non-for-profit’s mission to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music industry can be seen through its community engagement and education programs like Reach Teach Play and the Steans Music Institute. Together, Ravinia’s initiatives serve tens of thousands of students, families, and young professional musicians.
The 36-acre park is home to North America’s oldest outdoor music festival and serves as an enchanting place to experience concerts throughout the summer. Performances range from Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend to the annual summer residency of one of the world’s finest orchestras, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Guests can bring their own picnics, including food and liquor. A full range of dining options is available at the park, from casual carts to fine dining. Ravinia performances occur rain or shine. Audiences are invited to come early to enjoy various pre-concert activities, including the festival’s sculpture tour, the interactive musical playground KidsLawn, and the Ravinia Music Box.
Ravinia is the only private train stop in Illinois, with Metra’s Union Pacific North line stopping at the Grand Entrance. Since 2021, in collaboration with Metra, all trains on the Union Pacific Line honor Ravinia tickets as train fares; patrons can show their dated concert e-ticket for a free train ride to and from the park on the day of the event. The festival is located about 20 miles north of Chicago at Green Bay and Lake Cook Roads in Highland Park. Onsite parking is limited, and the festival operates a free park-and-ride shuttle bus service to nearby lots along the train line.
The safety of audiences, artists, staff and the community is Ravinia’s top priority. Managed by expert guidance, safety protocols are practiced and recurrently updated to ensure best practices; a variety of specialized programs and technology are engaged to ensure the venue is accessible and safe for all its patrons.
Visit the website for the most up-to-date programming and protocols. Tickets go on sale to the public on May 1.
SPONSORS
Ravinia Festival is a not-for-profit cultural institution that depends on the support of individual donors, foundations, and corporations. Among the many benefits of supporting Ravinia’s mission, donors receive access to tickets as early as March 22. Ravinia is grateful to welcome back Allstate for a seventh year as its Lead Reach Teach Play Sponsor.
Featured Sponsors: In Memory of Keene H. Addington II; BMO; Cadillac, Official Vehicle; In Honor of Sandra K. Crown; Elizabeth Crown and Bill Wallace, in loving memory of Catherine Crown Sanders; The Dancing Skies Foundation; Discover, Official Card; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; The Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts; Midtown Athletic Clubs, Official Club; Tera and Richard McBlaine; The Negaunee Foundation; Northwestern Medicine; The Sedge and Henry Plitt Charitable Trusts; Ravinia Associates Board; Ravinia Women’s Board; Jennifer W. Steans and James P. Kastenholz; Terlato Wines, Official Wine Sponsor; Audrey L. Weaver; White Claw; Wintrust, Chair Rental Sponsor
Season Sponsors: Abbott; Megan P. and John L. Anderson; In Memory of Charles and Margery Barancik; In Memory of Harry and Harriet Bernbaum; Fifth Third Bank; Fortune Brands Innovations; Freshie Organic Tequila Seltzer; The Avrum Gray Family, in memory of Joyce Gray; Hunter Family Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Illinois Tool Works; McKinsey & Company; Ruth Page Festival of Dance; Linda and Craig Umans; Nancy Zadek
Program Sponsors: AbbVie; Baxter International Inc.; Beam Suntory; Conagra Brands; Crate & Barrel; Ernst & Young LLP; Larry A. Gerber & Kari A. Guhl, in memory of Thomas “Tom” Lipman; Grainger; Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Kirkland & Ellis LLP; KPMG LLP; Mayer Brown LLP; Pamela J. Mayo; Pella Windows & Doors; Perkins Coie LLP; RBC Wealth Management; Sedgebrook; Stepan Company; Testa Produce, Inc; Walgreens
Sponsors: Jane and David Casper; Don and Susan Civgin; Winnie and Bob Crawford; Shawn M. Donnelley and Christopher M. Kelly; Howard L. Gottlieb and Barbara G. Greis; Chris and Elise Klein; Becky and Lester Knight; Kenneth and Jodi Meister; In Memory of Thomas F. Pick; Betsey and Dale Pinkert; Amita and Barry Poll; John Snyder and Mignon Dupepe; Lynne and David B. Weinberg
Artists, dates, and programs are subject to change www.Ravinia.org
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Carrie Underwood
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