The evening's repertoire is based upon the all-Gershwin program that the composer himself performed at his only appearance at the Ravinia Festival in 1936.

David Alan Miller leads the CSO in the concert, which features vocalists Sylvia McNair, three-time Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara, Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell and pianist Kevin Cole. The program includes "Cuban Overture," selections from Porgy and Bess, "An American in Paris," "Rhapsody in Blue" and "Gershwin around the Piano," song selections to be announced from the stage. (Ravinia Festival music director James Conlon withdrew from the evening due to illness.)

Hosted by the Ravinia Women’s Board, the annual Gala is the only performance fundraiser benefiting the not-for-profit festival's mission, especially its efforts to bring music back to the schools through its REACH*TEACH*PLAY education programs.

To purchase tickets to the benefit dinner, call (847) 266-5045 or contact [email protected]. Concert-only tickets are available, and pavilion and lawn audience members who do not purchase tickets to the Gala dinner are welcome to enjoy the evening on the lawn following the concert.

For more information visit www.ravinia.org.