Ravinia 2026 Issue 3

is June, the spotlight was on Steans. With Ravinia’s shi ed season, the renowned artist development program had a prominent place in the early summer lineup, starting with the annual Bridges Composition Competition on June 10. rough this unique program, emerging composers workshop and premiere a new piece that “bridges” jazz and classical music, a transformative opportunity with the potential to propel their careers. Winners also receive a cash prize and a week of mentorship with the acclaimed Steans Jazz Program faculty: Billy Childs, John Clayton, and Steve Wilson. e Bridges concert o ers audiences the singular experience of seeing a string quartet perform alongside a jazz combo in a world premiere. Congratulations to Max Bessesen, Ethan Dymit, and Jack Lanhardt, the winners of this year’s David Baker Prize! The Bridges Composition Competition: Innovation at the Intersection of Jazz and Classical This whole thing feels like such a unicorn, from the amount of rehearsal time that we get to the quality of the administration... It’s been really special all around.” – Ethan Dymit 2026 Bridges Composer “ Learn more at RAVINIA.ORG —Sara Swain RAVINIA.ORG • RAVINIAMAGAZINE 31