On July 30, 2025, soprano Ana María Martínez returns to Ravinia for a special program with pianist Kevin Murphy. The performance marks the soprano’s third appearance with the festival following two notable showcases, both headed by conductor James Conlon. In 2007, the soprano was featured in a gala alongside famed tenor Plácido Doming and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Three years {…}
The Ravinia Festival has announced its 2025 season. Here is a look at the vocal performances. The festival will present Opera for the Young’s “The Magic Flute.” Performance Date: June 28, 2025 Marin Alsop conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara. Performance Date: July 13, 2025 The CSO & Chorus will be conducted by Marin Alsop {…}
(Credit: Strand) The Ravinia Festival has announced its fall and spring Bennett Gordon Hall Concert Series. For the purposes of this article, only performances featuring classical vocal works will be spotlighted. Tenor Ryan Townsend Strand presents the art song cycle “Letters to Jackie” alongside pianist Karina Kontorovitch. The piece spotlights 15 letters of condolence sent to Jacqueline Kennedy following the {…}
Few artists in the opera world today are as versatile as mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke. Just take a look at the two-time Grammy Award winner’s upcoming 2023-24 season and you’ll find performances of classics such as “Don Giovanni” and “Messiah,” alongside newer works such as “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.” Last season was no different with Cooke navigating works by Mozart, {…}
For many, Kathryn Lewek IS the Queen of the Night. She holds the record for most performances of the role at the Metropolitan Opera and has taken her interpretation of the famed villain to opera houses such as the Royal Opera House, the Vienna State Opera, and the Gran Teatre del Liceu, among many, many others. This summer, she will {…}
The Ravinia Festival in Illinois has announced that Jeffrey P. Haydon will become the festival’s new CEO and president. Haydon succeeds Welz Kauffman, who leaves Ravinia in September after two decades as CEO. Haydon has led the Caramoor Festival for the past 12 years and was the executive director of the Ojai Music Festival for nine years. He also worked {…}
For any fans who still believe classical music is confined to opulent concert halls, only to be enjoyed by the pillars of society, meet The Knights. Founded by brothers Colin and Eric Jacobsen, this adventurous 40-member chamber orchestra performs everything from Beethoven to Jimi Hendrix. Born into a musical family, with a father who played in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, {…}
The Knights are set to return to Ravinia Festival for a performance of Bernstein’s “Candide.” The showcase will be led by conductor Eric Jacobsen with Alison Moritz directing. The production will star Met Opera Auditions-winning tenor Miles Mykkanen in the title role, Sharleen Joynt as Cunégonde, Margaret Gawrysiak as the Old Lady, Evan Jones as Pangloss/Voltaire/Cacambo, Evan Bravos as Maximilian/Grand Inquisitor/Sea Captain, and Alex Mansoori {…}
Matthew Polenzani has canceled his upcoming concert at the Ravinia Festival. The tenor made the announcement via Instagram citing a health reason. The tenor noted, “My dear friends and family, dear fans in the Chicago area, I’m sorry to let you know that I have to withdraw from the ‘CSO: Italian Opera Favorites’ concert at the Ravinia Festival on August {…}