Ravinia Festival News

The Ravinia Festival has announced its 2026 season, which will showcase a lineup of more than 90 artists. This season also marks the unveiling of the newly redesigned Hunter Pavilion. The festival, known for its diverse range of performances, continues to be a significant event in the cultural calendar, attracting music lovers from various genres. The updated venue is expected to enhance the audience experience, providing a modernized space for performances.

The Cleveland Institute of Music has appointed Chad Hoopes to its violin faculty, further strengthening the depth and vitality of the string department.

Olga Kern, the only woman to win the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in the past 50 years, will perform at the Lied Center on March 10. The concert will feature both in-person and live webcast options.

Legendary conductor Marin Alsop, in partnership with the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship (TACF), will lead #PurpleBaton, a global social media movement advancing the careers of women conductors in classical music.

Violinist Kristin Lee and GRAMMY-nominated ensemble Sandbox Percussion are joining forces this year to give the premiere performances of a new work composed for them by JUNO Award-winning composer Vivian Fung.

The Chicago Philharmonic will collaborate with artist Ryan O'Neal, known as Sleeping At Last, for a concert at the Dr. Phillips Center's Walt Disney Theater in Orlando on February 28, showcasing the impact of Chicago's artists on a national scale.

The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet will present five world premieres in the culmination of Joffrey's national call for emerging artists to submit applications for the Winning Works Choreographic Competition.

Violinist Kristin Lee will make her Weill Recital Hall debut at Carnegie Hall with pianist John Novacek. The performance is part of United in Sound: America at 250, the citywide festival presented by Carnegie Hall.

The Music Institute of Chicago presents its 23rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Concert featuring performances by professional and student musicians and an examination of Dr. King's visionary message.

Internationally-acclaimed Ballet Hispánico has announced the lineup for their December Diálogos, their signature conversation series led by Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro.

Lyric Opera of Chicago will present Mozart’s beloved masterpiece Così fan tutte. This glamorous rom-com returns to Lyric in a sun-soaked 1930s-era seaside country club setting.

​The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet will present five world premieres in the culmination of Joffrey's national call for emerging artists to submit applications for the Winning Works Choreographic Competition.

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the cast for the next production in its 31st season, the world premiere of Porchlight Sings the Season. Learn more!

The Colburn School will present its Art of Song Festival, curated by LA Opera Music Director James Conlon, bringing together legendary performers and rising young talents for a two-day celebration of the art song tradition.

On 9/26, singer Ben Jones releases a brand new album made in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning artist Laurence Hobgood. Read a conversation with Ben about the new album, 'a heartbreaking, raw, brutally honest representation' of their music.

A one-night-only special presentation of Blacklisted: Songs McCarthy Didn’t Want You To Hear, written & directed by Carla Gordon with music direction by Beckie Menzie is coming to Columbia College Chicago’s Sherwood Recital Hall.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, In Concert, is coming to Chicago's landmark, The Auditorium. Howard Shore's Academy and Grammy Award-winning score will be presented live, in concert.

Raue Center For The Arts has announced the Midwest’s favorite Eagle tribute band, Heartache Tonight, will be rocking the Raue in 2025! Learn more about the show here!

It's an annual tradition! Legendary children's musician and Chicagoland favorite Laurie Berkner will return to the main stage Pavilion at the Ravinia Festival. Learn how to purchase tickets!

'Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story' will be presented by KB Productions at 59E59 Theaters as part of the 2025 East to Edinburgh Festival. The production is written by and stars Kayla Boye and is directed by Michael Weber.