Over 75,000 community members are served through Ravinia's Reach Teach Play Programs each year, ensuring that music education remains accessible to all. Our programs are designed to educate, foster diverse audience involvement, and provide the population with equitable access to live music experiences in their communities and at Ravinia. Programs that extend Ravinia’s REACH programs bring the joy of music to thousands throughout the Chicago area through programs like Classical Invitations, Ravinia Nights, Kids Lawn, Words & Music, and Opportunity Lawn Pass. Learn more about the programs that are in full swing throughout the entire summer!
Classical Invitations
Ravinia welcomes students enrolled in community music schools and organizations throughout the Chicagoland area to Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Steans Music Institute concerts and master classes to further enrich their music education.This summer, guests from these music schools and organizations attended a reception on Saturday, July 16 at Ravinia, to honor and celebrate the founder of The People's Music School, Rita Simo. Rita's legacy was highlighted through stories shared by Director of Reach Teach Play, Christine Taylor Conda and Frank Graffeo, President of The People's Music School. Four students from the school performed during the reception, followed by the Marcus Roberts Trio and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert in the Pavilion.
Patrons at ABBA The Concert
Ravinia Nights
Ravinia Nights gives school communities from our Music Discovery Program the opportunity to visit Ravinia each season. To celebrate the end of the school year, a group of teachers and staff from Burroughs Elementary attended the ABBA concert on June 10. Ravinia provided lawn tickets for the group and bus transportation from the school to the park.
Kids Lawn
Special events on Ravinia’s North Lawn allow children to explore music in fun and exciting ways through large scale percussion instruments, instrument petting zoos, sing-a-longs, storytelling and musical crafts. Concert-goers still have time to visit the Kids Lawn and see a performance by Laura Doherty on August 20 on the Justin Roberts concert and visit a instrument petting zoo on August 21 on CSO: Tchaikovsky Spectacular.
Kids Lawn Activities
Words & Music
The Words & Music Program provides patrons of Chicagoland libraries complimentary lawn passes to attend concerts featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other classical artists every season. This summer season, guests from 61 suburban libraries and the Chicago Public Library are expected at 18 concerts. Librarians have shared that they look forward to this program every year!
Opportunity Lawn Pass Program (OLPP)
In partnership with social service agencies, this longstanding free ticket distribution program provides access to individuals who otherwise would not be able to attend Ravinia concerts. Established by the Ravinia Women’s Board in 1965, this free ticket program has served area organizations and their constituents for more than 50 years. Forty social service agencies, including longstanding OLPP groups like the Anixter Center and Bounce Children's Foundation, have had the chance to attend a show this season. Shows offered in this year's program include Diana Ross, Pitbull, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts.