Ravinia Festival 2025: An Exquisite Blend of Music, Culinary Delights, and Artistic Innovation
The Ravinia Festival, a cherished cultural institution in Highland Park, Illinois, has officially announced its 2025 season, and this year promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Spanning from June 5 to August 31, the festival will not only feature an impressive lineup of musical talents but also integrate exciting new culinary experiences, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
This year, the festival’s timeline is slightly compressed compared to previous seasons to accommodate a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Ravinia Pavilion. While the festival typically concludes in mid-September, the new schedule allows for a complete transformation of the Pavilion, expected to be finished by next summer. Once renovations are complete, the festival will pivot its focus towards upgrading other facilities on the picturesque Highland Park campus, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
Unforgettable Musical Performances
Packed into the festival’s 12-week duration is an array of pop highlights that will make this summer unforgettable. The Pavilion will host a variety of performances, featuring both established stars and rising talents. Some of the much-anticipated acts include:
- Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe (June 7) – Making their Ravinia debuts
- James Taylor (June 19)
- Diana Krall (June 22)
- The Roots, Al Green, and “Weird Al” Yankovic (June 27-29)
- Nas, who will debut with the Chicago Philharmonic (July 2)
- Chicago (July 5)
- DJ Kygo (July 6)
- Beck with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (July 23)
- Earth, Wind & Fire (August 7)
- Cynthia Erivo with the CSO (August 15)
- Lenny Kravitz (August 21)
- John Legend (August 23-24)
- Ray LaMontagne (August 30)
The festival is set to host the most orchestral programming in its history, thanks in part to a surge in pop-orchestra crossover concerts. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will play a vital role during its usual six-week residency from July 11 to August 17, complemented by appearances from the Chicago Philharmonic on select dates, including June 26, July 2, August 6, and August 29.
Breaking Barriers: Culinary and Musical Fusion
One of the standout features of the 2025 season is the “Breaking Barriers” festival-within-a-festival, led by Marin Alsop, who is in her penultimate season as chief conductor. This initiative, which merges culinary and musical arts, promises to be a feast for both the palate and the ears.
As part of this initiative, attendees will have the opportunity to sample dishes prepared by female chefs, each inspired by the weekend’s symphonic and chamber music programming. Highlights include:
- Tim Corpus’s “Great Lake Concerto,” featuring percussionists Vadim Karpinos and Ed Harrison (July 25)
- Leonard Bernstein’s “La Bonne Cuisine,” performed by emerging Steans Institute singers, with a build-your-own-tapas box included in the ticket price (July 26)
Food Network star and cookbook author Molly Yeh, who also has a background in percussion, will help curate these unique experiences. Yeh is the daughter of CSO clarinetist John Bruce Yeh, and the duo will be featured in the concert on July 26 with their East-meets-West ensemble, Birds and Phoenix.
Classical Music Highlights
The classical music offerings this season are equally compelling, showcasing a mix of well-loved masterpieces and contemporary works. Notable performances include:
- Bruce Liu and Jean-Yves Thibaudet performing Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” and Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F (July 11 & 12)
- Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” featuring soprano Janai Brugger and mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke (July 18)
- Ray Chen performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto, conducted by debuting Chicago conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya (August 9)
- The CSO debut of blind pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, a Van Cliburn winner (August 16)
- Sheku Kanneh-Mason performing Saint-Saëns’s Cello Concerto No. 1 (August 17)
In addition, the festival will also feature a semi-staged production of Handel’s “Alcina,” led by soprano Nicole Cabell (August 24), and a “dueling” double-concerto program by Apollo’s Fire, incorporating an actual fencing match (August 13).
Jazz and Tribute Concerts
Jazz enthusiasts will find much to celebrate this season, with tribute concerts honoring legends in the genre. One notable event includes a tribute to the late Wayne Shorter’s Weather Report, featuring Kurt Elling, Peter Erskine, and Steans Music Institute fellows (June 15). Another highlight celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Cuban jazz group Irakere, with a joint appearance by founding members Chucho Valdés, Paquito D’Rivera, and Arturo Sandoval (July 9).
The festival will also host the ninth Fiesta Ravinia, which includes a tribute to the beloved Selena, titled “Como La Flor” (August 31).
Ticket Information and Admission
Tickets for the 2025 Ravinia Festival will go on sale to the public on April 24. Pricing varies by performance, determined by each artist’s contract. In a bid to make the festival more accessible, Ravinia has reduced lawn admission prices for 2025 CSO programs to just $15.
The festival will take place at Green Bay and Lake Cook Roads in Highland Park, promising an unparalleled cultural experience for all who attend. Complete season information and tickets can be found at ravinia.org.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ravinia Festival is shaping up to be a remarkable season filled with innovative programming, exceptional musical performances, and culinary delights that will engage and inspire audiences. With a diverse lineup that honors both classical and contemporary genres, along with a commitment to enhancing the festival experience through renovations and creative initiatives, Ravinia continues to solidify its standing as a premier destination for cultural enrichment. Whether you are a local resident or traveling from afar, this festival is an event you won’t want to miss.
