On Friday night, July 10, Ravinia Festival leadership and elected officials, including US Rep. Brad Schneider, IL Rep. Bob Morgan, and Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, officially cut the ribbon on the Hunter Pavilion. Ravinia Festival’s signature venue recently underwent a once-in-a-generation renovation, fully funded by donors through the $75 million Setting the Stages campaign.
Friday night’s event gave Ravinia and Chicago Symphony Orchestra staff, local dignitaries, construction and design partners, and the Ravinia Board of Trustees a first look at the space, designed by Lohan Architecture Principal Michael Barnes, who gave nods to Ravinia’s 120-year history in the updated design.
“The naming of the Hunter Pavilion is a gift from our family to yours. We hope you all have the opportunity to also have beautiful memories here together,” said Bill Hunter, chairman of the Hunter Family Foundation, when dedicating the venue in the names of his late parents, Maxine and Thomas B. Hunter III.
Following the ribbon-cutting, guests enjoyed the inaugural concert from The Negaunee Stage, featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with chief conductor Marin Alsop. The Hunter Pavilion officially opens to the public on Saturday night, July 11, with the CSO and Alsop, plus soloists Yunchan Lim on piano and Lizzo on flute.
For more: high-resolution photos and video. All Courtesy Ravinia Festival.
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Ravinia Festival Cuts the Ribbon on Newly Redesigned and Renovated Hunter Pavilion: Photos and Video
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