Join us on Saturday, October 12, 2024, for a special evening celebrating 35 years of remarkable music-making with the Chicago Philharmonic. Enjoy an enchanting Gala featuring a captivating performance, a gourmet dinner, and the chance to connect with fellow arts enthusiasts and musicians of the Chicago Philharmonic at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. After dinner, enjoy VIP access to Chicago Philharmonic’s sold-out performance, An Evening with Sleeping At Last, making this a truly exceptional night you won’t want to miss!
Gala Schedule
Saturday, October 12, 2024
- 4:30 PM: Cocktail Reception
- 5:30 PM: Seated Dinner on the Pritzker Pavilion Stage, featuring a special performance by Chicago Philharmonic’s Inaugural Artist in Residence, violinist Njioma Grevious. Dinner will be catered by Blue Plate, one of Chicago’s top catering companies, celebrated for their expertly crafted cuisine.
- 7:30 PM: Concert – Chicago Philharmonic Presents: An Evening With Sleeping At Last
Concert Program
Chicago Philharmonic presents
An Evening with Sleeping At Last
Nicholas Hubbell
Chicago Fanfare
Jonathan Bingham
Etymology
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Sleeping At Last
Curated Selections:
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY RYAN O’NEAL
ARRANGEMENTS & ORCHESTRATIONS BY MICHAEL MORICZ
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)
Jonathan Bingham
– Chicago Philharmonic’s Donna Milanovich Composer in Residence
Jonathan Bingham is one of three Chicago Philharmonic’s Composers in Residence, celebrated for his innovative fusion of electronic and acoustic music. His compositions span a variety of mediums, including film and orchestral works, with recent accolades including the Vincent C. LaGuardia Award and commissions from notable ensembles like the Portland Youth Philharmonic. Bingham’s diverse artistic collaborations have brought his music to international stages, and he is committed to exploring lesser-known works through his project, Cool Story.
At the upcoming concert on October 12, Bingham will debut his world premiere piece, Etymology, promising an exciting addition to the evening’s program.
WATCH: Support Chicago Philharmonic
Scott Speck
– Chicago Philharmonic’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Chicago Philharmonic
Scott Speck serves as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Chicago Philharmonic, a role he has held since 2013. Renowned for his dynamic conducting style and engaging personality, he has captivated audiences worldwide in cities like London, Paris, and Moscow. A seasoned collaborator, Speck has shared the stage with luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma and Renée Fleming, earning accolades like the 2021 Conductor of the Year from the Illinois Council of Orchestras. In addition to his work with the Chicago Philharmonic, he is the Music Director of the Joffrey Ballet and has a rich history of conducting at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center.
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.
By attending the gala or making a donation, your ticket purchase and any gift—no matter the amount—directly support the Chicago Philharmonic’s mission to inspire, educate, and transform lives through the power of music. Your generosity allows us to bring world-class performances and educational programs to Chicago and beyond, fostering the next generation of musicians and creating unforgettable musical experiences for all.
This is Chicago Philharmonic’s only fundraising event of the season. Guest are encouraged to participate in a paddle raise in support of the Chicago Philharmonic Society.
Learn more:
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).
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.
