Ravinia 2026 Issue 2

RAVINIA CELEBRATES 90 YEARS AS THE SUMMER HOME OF THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN 1936 , when Ravinia was at risk of being purchased for demolition and redevelopment, a group of civically and culturally engaged Chicago-area residents and business leaders swooped in to preserve for future generations what become one of the most essential experiences of live music in their lifetimes. Over the three decades prior, Ravinia had been rapidly transformed—through the vision of like minds—from a park for general entertainment into the “summer opera capital” for the world’s major singers. Fortunately, their instrumental equals were just down the road, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra quickly became the de facto resident ensemble. Louis Eckstein, who directed Ravinia during those years, said, “Ravinia stands for service, for spiritual betterment through the lovely art of music. Because it does, because it brings to its patrons the great Chicago Symphony Orchestra … on that basis it contin- ues to stand more rmly every year of its existence.” Following that principle, when Ravinia reopened a er the Great Depression, on July , , the CSO was there to ll the stage and bring eager audiences back to the park. Assuring that the popular pairing of the CSO’s world-class musicianship in the verdant setting of Ravinia would continue, the orchestra’s residency was formalized that year, making Ravinia the CSO’s summer home for now years—a natural partnership again extended another eight years this past fall. Artwork created by painter and illustrator Max Gundlach (1863–1957) for the cover of Ravinia’s 1925 programs, showing guests of all ages enjoying the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the park RAVINIAMAGAZINE • JULY 20 – AUGUST 2 , 2026 6