Ravinia

Ravinia is a music festival held annually at Ravinia Park in Highland Park, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Founded in 1904, it is one of the oldest outdoor music festivals in the United States and serves as a premier summer venue for classical and other forms of music. The festival attracts audiences from the Chicago area and beyond with a program that spans genres and eras.

The Ravinia Park campus features the outdoor Pritzker Pavilion, designed by Renzo Piano and opened in 2005. The pavilion has a large lawn for general admission seating and a modern stage facility that hosts many performances. In addition to the pavilion, the festival includes indoor venues such as the Martin Theatre for more intimate concerts and supporting facilities.

Programming emphasizes classical music, including performances by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during the summer season, as well as jazz, world music, opera, chamber ensembles, contemporary music, and family concerts. The festival regularly presents guest artists and ensembles from around the world, along with education and community outreach programs.

Ravinia operates as a nonprofit organization and pursues education and access initiatives aimed at broad audiences, including youth programs and subsidized ticket opportunities, to foster appreciation for live music and the arts.