Gregory Alan Isakov with the Chicago Philharmonic

Gregory Alan Isakov with the Chicago Philharmonic

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Date: August 19, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Ravinia Festival

Tickets go on sale April 23, 8:00 AM CT only at Ravinia.org.

About the Show:

“Simple. Straightforward. Utterly evocative” proclaims the Associated Press. Born in South Africa, and now calling Colorado home, horticulturist/musician Gregory Alan Isakov has cast an impressive presence on the indie-rock and folk worlds since releasing his debut album Rust Colored Stones (2003).

Nominated for a Grammy in 2019 for Evening Machines, Isakov is known for his poetic lyricism and hypnotic melodies. No Depression declares, “this is Isakov’s genius. He turns a short poem into a magnificent piece of music that can captivate for hours.” His latest record Appaloosa Bones continues to build upon that genius, creating a richly textured and “gorgeously atmospheric” journey (Sputnik Music) that “glides over elegant and shimmering Wild West mirages” (MOJO).

Since his first collaboration with the Colorado Symphony in 2016, Isakov has performed with national symphony orchestras across the United States, building a sense of grandeur around songs originally written for quiet rooms and open landscapes. The result is a concert experience that feels both intimate and monumental: folk music scaled to cathedral proportions, yet still grounded in Isakov’s quiet, contemplative voice.

After two sold-out 2025 concerts with the Chicago Philharmonic, Isakov returns to collaborate with the orchestra for a promising an evening of musical grandeur and intimate storytelling under the baton of Christopher Dragon.

About the Chicago Philharmonic

Founded in 1989 by musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, the Chicago Philharmonic Society is dedicated to reimagining the orchestra concert experience. With nearly 200 musician members and a unique system of musician governance, Chicago Philharmonic is recognized as one of the most versatile, innovative, and ambitious orchestras in the country.

Chicago Philharmonic proudly collaborates with the world’s greatest artists across multiple genres. Past partnerships include Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Joshua Bell, Kishi Bashi, The Joffrey Ballet, English National Ballet, Tank and the Bangas, William Basinski, American Ballet Theatre, Ryan Speedo Green, and more.

Since Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree Terell Johnson became Executive Director in 2021, the orchestra has continued to expand its artistic reach and push the boundaries of symphonic performance. Notable recent milestones include a history-making debut at Lollapalooza as the first orchestra to perform at the festival, a sold-out Carnegie Hall debut with Sleeping At Last, and a world premiere tribute to Whitney Houston at Ravinia Festival. From groundbreaking live film concerts to dynamic collaborations with today’s most exciting artists, Chicago Philharmonic remains at the forefront of innovation and inclusion in the city’s performing arts landscape.