Annual Women’s Board Gala Raises $750,000 For Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play Education Programs

This year’s Ravinia Women’s Board fundraising gala raised a total of $750,000 to support and promote the festival’s Reach Teach Play education programs, which serve more than 75,000 community members each year. The evening hit its high notes with the performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and award-winning vocalist Cynthia Erivo, led by Ravinia Chief Conductor and Curator Marin Alsop. The program of Erivo’s design—called Legendary Women’s Voices—spotlighted songs made famous by such renowned artists as Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and many more, as well as orchestral works by CSO composer in residence Jessie Montgomery and Florence Price. Enjoy some photos from the July 18, 2021, event: