The upcoming season, which commemorates the 75th anniversary of the CSO's summer residency, will run July 7, 2011-Aug. 19, 2011.
The annual Gala Benefit, entitled The Great Gershwin—Here to Stay, will be presented July 23. The evening with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will feature the talents of pianist Kevin Cole as well as singers Sylvia McNair, Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara and Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. James Conlon will conduct.
The program will feature “Rhapsody in Blue,” “An American in Paris,” Cuban Overture and “various hit songs that defined the career of one of America’s most beloved composers, who made a legendary Ravinia debut in 1936.”
On Aug. 18 and 19 the orchestra will perform Howard Shore's score from “The Lord of the Rings—The Fellowship of the Ring” live as the complete film is projected on a giant video screen on the lawn.
For more information visit www.ravinia.org.