Ravinia welcomes back international megastar Lang Lang to the very event that launched his career in 1999, the annual Gala Benefit Evening. The 2013 affair, which takes place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, features the Chicago Symphony Orchestra led by James Conlon, Music Director of the orchestra's residency at Ravinia. A 17-year-old Lang Lang became an international superstar after playing a Ravinia gala in 1999 as a last-minute replacement for an ailing artist.
The special black-tie portion of the evening will begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the lawn at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m. benefit guests will be escorted to the Pavilion for the concert, which will have no intermission. Immediately following the concert, dinner will be served in the Gala Marquee on the north lawn. Hosted by the Ravinia Women’s Board, the annual gala is the only performance fundraiser benefiting the not-for-profit festival and its mission, especially its efforts to bring music back into schools through its REACH*TEACH*PLAY education programs. The décor for the evening will be designed by Event Creative, and the dinner will be catered by George Jewell Catering. To purchase tickets to the gala benefit, please call 847-266-5045.