Ravinia 2026 Issue 3

STEVE HACKMAN Composer, arranger, producer, songwriter, conductor, and pianist Steve Hackman is the musical polymath at the center of some of the most exciting productions in the orchestral space. Whether writing for the concert stage or screen, collaborating with today’s most com- pelling artists, or contributing to the Oscars, Emmys, and Super Bowl, Hackman is becom- ing the rst-call original voice shaping today’s most important musical events, scores and concerts. Hackman has collaborated with Jon Batiste, Charlie Puth, Lizzo, RZA, Wyclef Jean, Steve Lacy, Doja Cat, Moses Sumney, Kanye West (on the opera Mary), and most recent- ly with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on the Wicked TV special for NBC. Hackman’s barrier-shattering orchestral fusions, which synthesize the great works of classical music with towering gures from contemporary pop- ular music, have led to performances around the world of titles such as Brahms X Radiohead , Beethoven X Beyoncé , and Tchaikovsky X Drak e with orchestras in Los Angeles, New York, Chi- cago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Boston, and more than other music centers. Expansion into Europe and the Middle East is planned. Hack- man has an ambitious music release schedule across , showcasing the many sides of his artistry: music spanning from ballet scores that fuse electronics with orchestra to his concept art-piece e Brink , solo piano pieces, and re- imaginings of some of the great music of today, including Frank Ocean, Jacob Collier, and Ken- drick Lamar. Hackman’s rst movie soundtrack was released in November, for Net ix’s holiday caper Jingle Bell Heist . Trained classically at the Curtis Institute of Music in conducting, com- position, and counterpoint, from a young age Hackman also immersed his musical curiosity in alternative, rap/hip-hop, electronic and art music— which can be heard in every original note he writes today. A Yamaha Artist, Steve Hackman is making his Ravinia and Chicago Symphony Orchestra debuts. ANDREWLIPKE Andrew Lipke is an Emmy-nominated com- poser, producer, arranger, conductor, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and educator based in the Philadelphia area. Known for his stylistic range, Lipke has cultivated a repertory that spans classical, rock, pop, choral, and theat- rical traditions, o en blending genres with a distinctive and expressive voice. His composi- tions have been performed by ensembles such as the Aizuri String Quartet, Carpe Diem String Quartet, Choral Arts Philadelphia, Philadelphia Bach Collegium, and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. His music is recognized for its rhythmic energy, lyrical nuance, and inven- tive orchestration. As a performer, Lipke is a dynamic presence on stage, appearing as both conductor and soloist. He is also an active sing- er-songwriter and bandleader, creating original projects that showcase his versatility as both a storyteller and instrumentalist. In addition to his concert work, Lipke collaborates on lm, television, and interdisciplinary projects, earn- ing an Emmy nomination for his contributions. A dedicated educator, he works with students of all ages, encouraging creativity and curiosity. rough his varied work, Lipke continues to shape a vibrant, genre-crossing musical career. Andrew Lipke is making his Ravinia and Chica- go Symphony Orchestra debuts. WILL POST Will Post is a Chicago-based singer, composer, pianist, and producer known for a sound that bridges classical sophistication with the raw energy of modern rock and electronic music. He has amassed over million streams, with his breakout single “Wonderlust” topping the Shazam Discovery and US charts following its feature in Net ix’s e Kissing Booth . Beyond his studio work, Post is a premier crossover vocalist with a longtime creative partnership with composer-conductor Steve Hackman. He has appeared as a featured soloist in numerous Hackman productions, fronting many of the nation’s leading orchestras including those of Philadelphia, San Francisco, Nashville, San Di- ego, Oregon, and Colorado. Composing under his legal name, Bill Prokopow, his work earned a number-one spot on Billboard ’s Kids chart for Disney+’s e Muppets Mayhem , and his music is frequently featured in major global lm trail- ers. He has been composing since age , and today he nds his home at the intersection of classical sensibilities and the current moment, creating work that serves the now while reach- ing toward eternity. Making both his Ravinia and his Chicago Symphony Orchestra debuts is a profound full-circle moment for Will Post, who grew up just miles away from the festival and spent years in the audience inspired by the performances on this very stage. RAVINIAMAGAZINE • AUGUST 3 – AUGUST 16 , 2026 94