Chicago Classical Music

People are often under the impression that Ravinia Festival sleeps during the off season. On the contrary, we are busy getting things ready for this coming summer. (Ah, summer sounds so great right now. Doesn’t it?) Just because the poor lawn in the park is frozen doesn’t mean we are all inside hibernating.

In fact, the office is buzzing today as we are trying to get our new calendar together. I can’t reveal all of our secrets but I’m excited about the many wonderful artists who will be performing here this summer. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will welcome special guests such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Renee Fleming, Patti LuPone in Gypsy and many more. You’ll have to stay tuned to get more details later on.

Plus, the music doesn’t stop after the summer is over. We are still welcoming performers in a series called “Rising Stars” throughout the fall and spring. You can be among the first to see new talent as they play in an intimate theater setting, the next concert is the Corigliano String Quartet on March 3! You can read more details on our web site about the artists and concert dates. It’s such a great and affordable way to see these exciting, young artists.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more details about those concerts. For now, I just wanted to say hello and welcome you to the new Ravinia blog at Chicago Classical Music. At this point, you are probably wondering who I am. Well, I am not a classical music genius. I will not try to out-wit you in a musical match of who knows more in “Name that Tune.”

I am simply a fan who has always loved music in all varieties and styles. When I was young, my mother would blast the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Eagles on the huge turntable, which took up a good chunk of our living room. (Remember when a stereo was more of a piece of furniture than the smaller plastic/metal ones we know now?) I loved listening to those bands too but insisted that Sundays be dedicated to classical music only. (It felt weird going to church and coming home to “Start Me Up” anyway.)

I still love classical music on Sundays and listen to it much more than just that particular day. It’s not because I’m an expert or because I can play an instrument (unless you count “chopsticks”). I just love the way it makes me feel. I imagine there are a lot of other folks out there like me. Don’t be afraid to listen to something new, if you are not already a fan.

I’ll keep sharing what going on behind the scenes here at the festival and hope that you will share your thoughts and ideas with me.

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