Ravinia unveils Hunter Pavilion prior to Chicago Symphony Gala and star-studded season

Photo by Andy Argyrakis, Hunter Pavilion photos provided by Dave Burk / Ravinia

For well over a century, Ravinia Festival in Highland Park has reigned as America’s longest-running seasonal music series, yet even with all its illustrious history thus far, the 36-acre park and campus of performance venues just unveiled a massive milestone after a once-in-a-generation makeover.

Following two years of redesign and construction, the Hunter Pavilion will officially open to the public on Saturday, July 11 for the Gala start to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 90th anniversary of its summer residency, led by Ravinia Chief Conductor Marin Alsop (pictured above center), plus pianist Yunchan Lim and a special appearance by Lizzo on flute.

The flagship seating space comes courtesy of the “Setting The Stages” campaign, which began with a significant gift by the Hunter Family Foundation and eventually reached the $75 million goal to open completely debt-free.

“Ravinia’s historic pavilion transformation was inspired by a family’s love, from their children and grandchildren wanting to honor their parents and grandparents, Maxine and Thomas B. Hunter III. We are excited to welcome artists and audiences to the state-of-the-art Hunter Pavilion,” said Jeffrey P. Haydon, Ravinia President & CEO. “Together with The Negaunee Foundation Artist Center, which brings our backstage to world-class standards, Ravinia will continue to present a range of performances that will inspire generations to come.”

Designed by Chicago-based Lohan Architecture under the guidance of Principal Architect Michael Barnes, the Hunter Pavilion bears visual similarity to its predecessor, but is significantly upgraded in every way imaginable, including a deeper stage, new acoustic shell, first-rate sound system, theatrical and architectural lighting, modernized production booths, a video production room, renovated audience seating, increased accessibility and excellent sight lines.

Besides meeting the cutting edge standards of current orchestral concerts and major touring productions in front of the house, backstage is completely reborn, featuring refreshed dressing rooms, artist areas, expanded warm-up or rehearsal spaces, additional offices, enhanced broadcast capabilities and improved infrastructures for smoother operations.

It’s no wonder why Ravinia was once again able to attract so many A-list stars of varying stripes, such as Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, Gladys Knight, Tom Jones, Deep Purple, Ricky Martin, Bonnie Raitt, Snoop Dogg, Brandi Carlile, Hugh Jackman, Kool & The Gang, Billy Idol, Erykah Badu, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Miranda Lambert, Alabama Shakes, Chance The Rapper and Ziggy Marley.

In fact, more than 50 artists are making their Ravinia debuts surrounding over 90 shows from July through September, ensuring there’s no hotter spot throughout the entire Chicago area than what’s now truly a national treasure.