The performance will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Gershwin's only Ravinia performance by re-creating the concert, which in 1936 had audiences climbing into the trees to catch a glimpse of the musical genius. Ravinia Festival music director James Conlon will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the 75-minute concert, which will feature the vocal talents of Kelli O’Hara, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sylvia McNair and pianist Kevin Cole.

The 2011 summer season at the Illinois venue will also feature concerts by Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson (July 16 at 7:30 PM in the Pavilion), Tony winner Laura Benanti (Aug. 27 at 8:30 PM in Bennett Gordon Hall) and Tony winner Mandy Patinkin with opera star Nathan Gunn (Aug. 31 at 8 PM in the Pavilion).

Rufus Wainwright will also return to Ravinia Aug. 14 in a performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, featuring the Chicago premiere of his settings of 5 Shakespeare Sonnets, a work co- commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony and Ravinia Festival. Following intermission, Wainwright returns without the orchestra for a solo rock concert.

For more information visit www.ravinia.org.