Guest Chefs Season Ravinia Menu

Ravinia will welcome guest chefs throughout the summer to bring new flavors to the Park View and Mirabelle restaurants. Spicing things up will be Erik Freeberg from Bar Toma, June 27 (James Taylor) and June 28 (Darius Rucker); Thomas Bowman of WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot, Aug. 7 and Aug. 8 (the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing the score to The Lord of the Rings—The Return of the King); Tony Mantuano from Spiaggia, Aug. 16 (James Conlon conducting the CSO in The Marriage of Figaro and Tony Bennett); and John Hogan of River Roast Social House,Aug. 19 (Buddy Guy) and Aug. 20 (Dawn Upshaw and The Knights).

For reservations, call 847-432-7550. Also Robin Rosenberg will introduce her new concept, Rosie’s BBQ, in Ravinia Market at the Amber Grill.

We Invite Chicagoland Students to High-School Marketing Council

Ravinia would like to extend an invitation to high-school students from around the Chicago area to join Ravinia’s Student Marketing Board. This board, which meets once a month at Ravinia, is tasked with developing new ways to entice youth to come to Ravinia during the summer to experience the music of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Students will gain real, resumé-worthy, hands-on experience and see campaign ideas to come to life. Over the past three years this board has been responsible for such initiatives such as free lawn admission for students with valid ID and the $5,000 grant for the high school that brings the most students to CSO concerts during the summer. Here’s your chance to take it to the next level.

The first meeting of this new board will be Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m. at Ravinia. To RSVP or inquire further, e-mail us at RaviniaCYI@ravinia.org.

RSMI Alumni Marquis Hill Returns To Ravinia April 12

Chicago Jazz Orchestra trumpeter Marquis Hill will bring together his own ensemble for a concert that doubles as an album-release event this Saturday, April 12. Once a member of RSMI’s Program for Jazz andRavinia’s Jazz Scholars, he has since established himself among the vanguard of Chicago’s new jazz generation, both as a performer and a composer. Hill’s albums to date heavily feature his own charts, which the Chicago Tribune has recognized for their “melodic beauty.” Reserved-seat tickets are only $10.

The $10 BGH Classics series continues this summer with such artists as jazz pianist Dan Tepfer, saxophonist Ashu, the Lincoln Trio, violinist Rachel Barton Pine, Only Men Aloud and Musicians from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute.

Kids Concert Series Revealed

Ravinia’s 2014 Kids Concerts series emulates the festival’s main-stage programming across a mix of genres and artists, all in a kid-friendly environment. This Saturday series directly connects to the mission of the festival’s REACH*TEACH*PLAY education programs. The fun kicks off with a double-header on June 14 with the world-renowned Chinese Circus of Beijing at 11 a.m. and Laurie Berkner—The You & Me Tour at 4 p.m. (separate admission required for these events). The series features Tom Chapin at 11 a.m. July 12; Ralph’s World at 11 a.m. July 19; and the Ruth Page Civic Ballet at 11 a.m. Sept. 13. To celebrate the 110th anniversary of Ravinia on August 15, there will be a free “Young*Musician*Concert,” featuring the Lang Lang International Music Foundation Scholars with the Midwest Young Artists Symphony Orchestra (reservations required through Ravinia’s box office).

“Lang Lang was little more than a child himself when he sprang to stardom at Ravinia, so we are ecstatic that the young musicians recognized by the biggest classical artist in the world will perform for other children,” Kauffman said. “We believe that children will be inspired in their personal discovery of classical music when they experience artists their own age finding both joy and pride in performance.”

Ravinia also aims to spark that discovery with its Kids Lawn (formerly known as Family Space) that will include enhanced activities this summer, including hands-on music-making opportunities prior to select concerts, including the Chinese Circus of Beijing and Laurie Berkner on June 14 and Sunday concerts by the CSO, July 13, 20 and 27 and Aug. 2 and 10. Lawn admission to all classical concerts is free to children and students through college. 

We're Not Done Yet! More Shows Added to 2014 Lineup

Just when you thought you knew everything Ravinia was featuring this summer. We are happy to announce a handful of new concerts to our already exciting 2014 "Summer of Love; Season of Stars" line up. New concerts include the Ravinia debuts of Grammy-winning R&B star Maxwell (July 2); Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins and Australian singer/songwriter Katie Cole (Aug. 30); and international soul sensation Joss Stone and Lisa Fischer, star of the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom (Sept. 10). Also announced was the return of Ravinia favorites John Hiatt & The Combo and The Robert Cray Band (June 29).

In a summer already packed with unique pairings and double bills, Ravinia also has added new artists to previously announced concerts. Current Top-10 group American Authors make their Ravinia debut with OneRepublic and The Script (June 18-19); alternative rockers Toad the Wet Sprocket and folk duo Daniel and the Lion both make their Ravinia debuts with the Counting Crows (July 14); Andrew McMahon, former front-man of Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin, makes his solo debut, joining Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson (July 21); The live-wired Vintage Trouble makes its Ravinia debut with Heart (Aug. 3); The Wallflowers makes its Ravinia debut on a bill with Train (Aug. 22-23) and Katrina (ex-Katrina & the Waves) has joined the star-studded ’80s night “Retro Futura Tour 2014,” featuring the Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and Howard Jones (Aug. 27).

“Despite a stubborn winter, we’ve already heard great buzz about this summer’s lineup, and we hope these just-added artists make the season even hotter,” said Ravinia President and CEO Welz Kauffman.

Tickets for these new additions, as well as the rest of Ravinia's lineup, go on sale to the public on April 24 at 5 a.m. exclusively at Ravinia.org. Donors of the festival at the Friend level or higher have from now until April 11 to place their early orders. See you this summer!

Is Ryan Tedder the "Undercover King of Pop"?

The front man of popular rock group OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder, might just be music's most prolific writer/producer today. There’s no avoiding Tedder’s mark on the airwaves with just in past six months charting Hot 100 hits for Maroon 5 (“Love Somebody”), Ellie Goulding (“Burn”), Demi Lovato (“Neon Lights”), Beyoncé (“XO”) and the Fray (“Love Don’t Die”) in addition to the impressive run One Republic’s “Counting Stars” is making. Tedder’s journey to becoming “The Undercover King of Pop” is the cover story of the most recent issue of Billboard Magazine that hit shelves last week.

Don’t forget tickets go on sale to the public on April 24 at 5 a.m. for OneRepublic’s back-to-back performances at Ravinia on June 18 and 19 as well as all other Ravinia concerts.

RSMI in Havana Part II

A cool front arrived late yesterday along with the three lost suitcases. Last night we all attended the opening concert of the 20th Frank Fernandez Music Festival at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Habana Vieja. The first part of the  program consisted of songs for choir and short pieces for string quartets by Maestro  Fernandez. There was a brief ceremony honoring his 70th birthday followed by a vigorous rendering of "The Trout" with Maestro Fernandez at the piano. The concert was attended by a standing room only crowd of fervent fans. Two Liszt Hungarian Rhapsodies were played as encores.

A casually elegant reception followed in a charming open courtyard across the street from the Basilica. There Diane and Madeleine were introduced by Maestro Fernandez to Cuba's First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel.  In very understandable English he asked us for 2 favors: to bring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Ricardo Muti to Cuba, and to help our 2 countries find a path toward a normal relationship. We said we would try. What a thrill to meet the man standing next in line to Raul.

A late dinner was eaten at the charming new paladar "Ivan Justo"around the corner from Havana's Revolutionary Museum whose centerpiece is the "Grandma" — the boat that the Castro's and Che used to cross from Mexico to begin the Revolution in the mid fifties. More to follow...

Madeleine and Diane

RSMI in Havana Part I

Friends of Ravinia's Steans Music Institute, Diane Karzas and Madeleine Plonsker, joined the ensemble on their trip to Cuba and took time out of their busy schedule to send us this story about the beginning of their trip to Havana.

After a short delay while the plane was weighed we took off on our less than one hour flight down to Havana. Matt, Miriam and Madeleine suitcases had to be left behind, but at least we have all the instruments. We are hoping to see them today, but we are having issues with internet.

The weather is glorious and our first day began in the grand casino room of a pre-Revolutionary club for Spaniards. Miriam first worked with a piano trio playing the Haydn Piano Trio No. 4 in F Major. The students listened intently to Miriam's instructive comments and their playing soon began to reflect her words. The second group to perform was a piano and violin playing Beethoven"s Spring Sonata, Movements 1 & 3. The room rang clear with the interchange between the duo and Miriam. Each group received an hour's instruction.

Now for the social side: last night we were all invited for dinner at the newly restored mansion of one of Cuba's most important artists. Esterio Segura, known internationally for his sculpture, painting and photography, gave us a tour of his new studio and gallery space before sitting us down to a three course dinner prepared by his own private chef. The evening was spent in lively conversation about how the arts in Cuba relate to its politics.

This afternoon will be spent in practice by the quartet. Tonight the group will attend the opening concert of the Frank Fernandez Music Festival where the Steans Institute Quartet is on the program for Friday night.

Your Girls In Havana,  

Diane & Madeleine

(pictured above: Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís where RSMI will perform on March 28)

[UPDATE 11:00 AM: Everyone has arrived safe and sound in Cuba, luggage included.]

Steans Alumni Duo Release Album To N.Y. Times Rave

Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute (RSMI) alumni pianist Reiko Uchida and baritone Thomas Meglioranza released their third album together, The Good Song, a collection of French songs, to rave reviews. The New York Times says, “Sublime is the first word that comes to mind when confronted with this new recital disc by the skillful, intelligent baritone Thomas Meglioranza, whose knack for French songs by Fauré, Debussy, Poulenc and Ravel matches the distinction he has shown previously in recordings of canonical Schubert and contemporary music. Reiko Uchida, playing an 1890 Pleyel piano, supports his light, handsome voice with insight, subtlety and pearly luminosity.” 

Musicians From Ravinia's Conservatory Go To Havana

Musicians from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute (RSMI) will become one of the first U.S. chamber ensembles to perform in Cuba at 6 p.m. Friday, March 28, at Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís in Havana as part of Festival de Música de Cámara. Ensemble members are selected annually from past participants in RSMI, which each year awards about 70 of the best young professionals from around the world full fellowships to study and perform with Ravinia’s headliners and top-notch educators. Violinist Miriam Fried, director of the RSMI Piano and Strings Program, will lead the ensemble that features violinist Alexi Kenney of San Francisco, CA; cellist SuJin Lee of Boston, MA; violist Matthew Lipman of Chicago, IL; and pianist Henry Kramer of Cape Elizabeth, ME. Along with David Ludwig’s Aria Fantasy, which was commissioned by Ravinia to celebrate the 25th anniversary of RSMI and was premiered at the festival last summer, the program will include Haydn’s Piano Trio in E-flat Major and Schubert’s String Quartet No. 15 in G Major.

The performance marks the first international appearance of the ensemble, which kicked off its annual spring tour on its home turf at this past Saturday in Bennett Gordon Hall.

Don't Miss Houston Ballet's Aladdin At Auditorium Theatre

Tickets are still available for Ravinia's co-presentation of Houston Ballet's magical take on the ageless Aladdin at Auditorium Theatre on Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 23. at 2 p.m.! The full-length production, originally created for the New National Ballet of Tokyo in 2008 with scenery by Dick Bird and original score by Carl Davis, will be performed at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre as part of the annual Ruth Page Festival of Dance. The Daily Telegraph says, “Aladdin is a full-blown piece of three-act splendor and looks absolutely astonishing... a delightful family show and an ideal first outing to the ballet. Don't miss out on this magical performance."

Ravinia's Summer Conservatory, RSMI, Send Alumni to the Festival's Stages

Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute awards 60–70 fully paid fellowships each summer to the world’s finest young professional musicians to immerse themselves in the festival and study with the stars.

Many of the alumni of this intensive and competitive program have gone onto illustrious careers, including four who are members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In fact, 17 alumni will perform at Ravinia this summer with the CSO, The Knights, the Juilliard String Quartet, in Ravinia’s operas and on the $10 BGH Classics series. Ten current RSMI faculty members will also perform, including violinists Miriam Fried and Midori, soprano Kiri Te Kanawa and pianist Kevin Murphy.

Just Announced: John Hiatt, Robert Cray, American Authors and More

A few more artists have been added to Ravinia’s already star-studded 110th anniversary season. John Hiatt and the Combo will share a June 29 bill with the Robert Cray Band, becoming the latest example of the unique pairings that define the summer.

American Authors has been added to the pairing of OneRepublic and The Script  on June 18 and 19, Daniel and the Lion and Toad the Wet Sprocket have been added to the Counting Crows show on July 14, and Andrew McMahon has been added to the July 21 show featuring Gavin DeGraw andMatt Nathanson.

Chicago legend Buddy Guy will be joined by a special guest artist whose name cannot yet be revealed. Other big-name double bills this summer include Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss, Cat Power and Rufus Wainwright, Bob Weir & RatDog and Dwight Yoakam, and Jeff Beck and ZZ Top. Tickets available to the public online starting April 24.

2014 "Summer of Love, Seasons of Stars" Lineup Released

Ravinia’s 2014 season, dubbed “Summer of Love/Season of Stars,” was announced today by Ravinia President and CEO Welz Kauffman. Brimming with talent and romance, the festival’s 2014 schedule brings some the biggest names in the world of music as well as repertoire that explores the theme of great love in its various manifestations. No fewer than three musical incarnations of the most famous love story of all time, Romeo and Juliet, will be featured, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s Overture-Fantasy (July 27), a suite from Prokofiev’s ballet setting of the story (July 16) and the score of West Side Story as the classic film is shown (July 17–18). In other examples of love, soprano Deborah Voigt describes it as “Something Wonderful” on a Broadway evening (July 13), the legendary Broadway team of Lerner and Loewe will be celebrated (July 20), and Chanticleer even jabs at the battle of the sexes in an evening titled “She Said/He Said” (July 6). In fact, love lurks, longs and lingers across genres in most of the more than 130 events that Ravinia will present in 2014, its 110th year and its 78th as the summer residence of the CSO.

            Most Pavilion tickets to all CSO concerts are only $25. Lawn tickets for most classical concerts are only $10. Children and students through college are admitted free to all classical performances. Tickets to all events go on sale to Ravinia donors on March 5 and to the general public on April 24, exclusively at Ravinia.org.

NPR Gives Early Listen To New St. Vincent Album

Less than 36 hours after getting home at the end of her 'Love This Giant' tour with the legendary David Byrne which came through Ravinia last summer, Annie Erin Clark better known by her stage name St. Vincent, starting penning her new album. Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton, co-hosts of NPR Music's All Songs Considered, have a special treat for us this week, as they give us a first listen and discuss the new album! St. Vincent's eponymous album comes out next week. Check it out and let us know what you think.

http://www.npr.org/2014/02/21/280528565/first-listen-st-vincents-latest-album

Pulitzer- and Grammy- Winner Caroline Shaw and Brad Wells Chat Live Feb 24

In advance of Ravinia’s March 29 concert by Roomful of Teeth, featuring a performance of the Pulitzer Prize- and Grammy-winning Partita for Eight Voices, director Brad Wells and composer-member Caroline Shaw will participate in a live video question-and-answer session. To make sure your question gets answered, tweet it in advance @RaviniaFestival with #RoomfulQA, then join the imaginative collaborators live at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, at Ravinia.org/RoomfulQA.aspx. Reserved tickets for the group’s Ravinia debut are only $10, or $40 inclusive of dinner. In addition to the much-lauded Partita, the program will include works by Rinde Eckert, Caleb Burhans, Judd Greenstein, Brad Wells and Merrill Garbus. 

Ravinia Jazz Scholars Play Showcase On March 6

The result of one of Ravinia’s earliest and highest-regarded education programs will be on display next month when the Ravinia Jazz Scholars perform at Chicago’s internationally renowned Jazz Showcase. Each year the best jazz musicians enrolled as juniors or seniors in Chicago Public Schools are handpicked to join the Jazz Scholars. They learn to play as a tight ensemble through hands-on training with such Chicago jazz titans as Willie Pickens and Ramsey Lewis and earn real gigs. The Jazz Scholars will open for the Bobby Lewis Quintet (featuring Ravinia Jazz Mentor Pat Mallinger on sax) at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at the Jazz Showcase. Their portion of the performance is free. 

Just Announced: Willie Nelson & Alison Krauss Coming To Ravinia July 12

Grammy-winners Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas kick off a 35-city tour together for the first time and make a stop at Ravinia set for July 12, 2014. They will be joined by special guest singer/songwriter Jason Isbell. Nelson performed to a sold-out audience at Ravinia last summer, and Krauss most recently performed here in a sold-out concert with Robert Plant. The complete Ravinia season will be announced on Feb. 27 at Ravinia.org.

'Such Sweet Thunder' Live From Ravinia in 1957

We ran across this clip unearthed by YouTube user 'Reminiscing in Tempo' of a world premiere radio performance of Such Sweet Thunder from the "Shakespearean Suite" with music by Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn* from July 1, 1957. While double checking to verify the recording  we found a note buried in the archives is a letter from the booking agent confirming that it’s the first public performance, mentioning that he hopes one of the radio networks will pick it up for national broadcast, which given that we have this recording; CBS did! He also adds a jab at our weather: “Now if there was a way we could get a guarantee that it would not rain, I think we are in business.” Enjoy!

*unable to verify Billy Strayhorn's involvement via program notes.