Join us on Saturday, October 12, 2024, for a special evening celebrating 35 years of remarkable music-making with the Chicago Philharmonic. Enjoy an exclusive Gala featuring a captivating performance, a gourmet dinner, and the chance to connect with fellow arts enthusiasts at the stunning Jay Pritzker Pavilion. After the Gala, enjoy VIP access to Chicago Philharmonic’s sold-out show, An Evening with Sleeping At Last, making this a truly exceptional night you won’t want to miss!
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 4:30 PM, followed by a seated dinner at 5:30 PM on the Pritzker Pavilion stage, featuring a special performance by Chicago Philharmonic’s Inaugural Artist in Residence, violinist Njioma Grevious.
Guests will then be escorted backstage to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance for a once-in-a-lifetime concert: An Evening with Sleeping At Last. This sold-out performance will feature bespoke orchestrations of Sleeping At Last’s music, a World Premiere by Composer in Residence Jonathan Bingham, and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.
WATCH: Tchaikovsky – Romeo and Juliet (Fantasy Overture)
Meet the Talent
Whitney Reynolds
– Gala Host
Hosting the gala is none other than the Emmy-nominated Whitney Reynolds, Executive Producer and Host of the beloved Whitney Reynolds Show. Known for her inspiring interviews and vibrant storytelling, Whitney brings her passion for meaningful conversations to the Chicago Philharmonic’s celebration. As the “Chief Inspo Officer,” she has built a career out of highlighting incredible stories, making her the perfect personality & guide for this milestone event.
WATCH: Hope: A New Acronym for Ethical Storytelling | Whitney Reynolds | TEDxWrigleyville
Njioma Chinyere Grevious
– Violinist, Chicago Philharmonic Inaugural Artist in Residence
An Avery Fisher Career Grant Recipient and inaugural Artist in Residence at the Chicago Philharmonic, Njioma Grevious will dazzle attendees with an intimate, soul-stirring performance at the 35th Anniversary Gala. Recognized for her “superb” artistry by the Chicago Classical Review, Njioma’s journey includes prestigious awards like the Robert F. Smith First Prize at the Sphinx Competition and performances with the London Symphony Orchestra. This is a rare opportunity to witness an emerging talent in an intimate setting!
WATCH: Sphinx Competition 2023 senior division winner violinist Njioma Grevious
Sleeping At Last
– Concert Guest Artist, Chicago Philharmonic Presents “An Evening With Sleeping At Last”
After dinner, attendees will be escorted to the Harris Theater for an evening featuring Sleeping At Last, a popular indie artist known for his emotional, cinematic soundscapes. The concert includes bespoke orchestral arrangements of Sleeping At Last’s oeuvre, alongside a World Premiere by Composer in Residence Jonathan Bingham, and Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture. With Sleeping At Last’s poignant melodies brought to life with full orchestra, this concert promises to be a transcendent experience.
WATCH: Sleeping At Last performs “Turning Page” Live (Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1)
Gala Ticket Levels
We invite you to be part of this historic night by choosing one of the following ticket levels:
- Individual Gala & Concert Ticket – $750
Includes one ticket to the gala (cocktail hour and dinner) and a VIP seat at the sold-out Sleeping At Last concert. - Patron Package – $1,500
Includes two tickets to the gala and VIP seating at the concert, plus acknowledgment in the gala program book and a commemorative An Evening with Sleeping At Last program book. - Gala-Only Individual Ticket – $600
Includes one ticket to the gala (cocktail hour and dinner). - Gala-Only Patron Package – $1,200
Includes two tickets to the gala, plus acknowledgment in the gala program book.
For sponsorship inquiries or to purchase a table for your organization, please contact Director of Development, Lydia Penningroth (lpenningroth@chicagophilharmonic.org).
Support the Chicago Philharmonic
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization, the Chicago Philharmonic relies on the generosity of patrons like you to continue bringing world-class concerts and educational programs to the Chicagoland community and beyond. Your support allows us to foster the next generation of musicians, collaborate with big-time artists, and present innovative performances that enrich Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene.
By attending the gala or making a donation, you directly contribute to the mission of the Chicago Philharmonic: to inspire, educate, and transform lives through the power of music. Every contribution—large or small—helps keep the music alive.
If you’re unable to join us for this unforgettable evening, we invite you to still be part of our mission by making a donation. Your generous support helps us continue to inspire and transform lives through the performing arts. Every contribution, no matter the size, strengthens our ability to bring world-class performances and educational programs to the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago.