Ravinia 2023 Issue 2

JAZZ June 6 – 13 BILLY CHILDS , RUFUS REID , and STEVE WILSON , co-program directors The Bridges Composition Competition calls on young composers from around the globe to add their creative perspectives to the “bridge” between RSMI’s jazz and classical focuses with new works written for string quartet and jazz ensemble. Up to three winners are selected annually to receive the David Baker Prize—an award of $2,500 and a week to further develop their music with the Program for Jazz directors as well as the ensemble that will premiere their work at the culmination. The Program for Jazz is focused on composition and small-group collaboration. From the moment they arrive, the 15 fellows are rehearsing in different instrumental combos and workshopping new music with the guidance of standard-bearers in the vitality of jazz, together learning to adapt to gigging with ever-changing personnel. Within a week, the musicians form three quintets to premiere their original works. Meeting and working with Billy Childs, Rufus Reid, and Steve Wilson has encouraged me to continue pursuing my craft to the highest degree and never give up my artistic integrity, even when I’m faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. — 2022 Jazz fellow SINGERS July 29 – August 19 KEVIN MURPHY , program director The Program for Singers offers a unique setting for 15 classical singers to delve deeply into the vast repertoire of art song for three weeks. Fellows are paired with staff collaborative pianists to work with a faculty of distinguished musicians, pedagogues, and scholars on varied aspects of the musical tradition, including style, technique, language, diction, dramaturgy, performance, and career preparation. This is a place for exploration. You’re already an artist, you’re already a great singer and communicator, and this is not the place to try and ‘prove’ that to anyone. This is the place for you to discover all of the crayons in the box, test them out, decide which ones work for you in this specific place and time, and share them. — Brandon Bell (bass-baritone), 2021 Singers fellow In the opera world, it’s very easy to fall into a scary routine of competition; Ravinia released me from that. It made me go back to the origin of why I’m singing. — 2017 Singers fellow Ravinia is an international destination for young professional classical pianists and string players, classical singers, and jazz musicians devoted to uniquely honing and advancing their talents as collaborative artists. Every year, up to 65 musicians receive fellowships to focus on their professional training in one of the intensive summer programs at Ravinia Steans Music Institute. Since opening its doors in 1988, RSMI has offered private coaching, master classes, and performance opportunities to over 1,600 exceptional musicians, many of whom have cultivated highly visible and successful careers in performance, leadership, and music education. As soloists or members of chamber groups or orchestras, numerous alumni are heard on Ravinia’s stages each season. Across the Ravinia Festival season, the fellows, faculty, and guest artists of RSMI are featured in concerts and master classes on their home stage in Bennett Gordon Hall—many with free admission—sharing the wealth of expression that resonates from their timely, emotive jazz and classical chamber music. Visit Ravinia.org/SteansSchedule for a complete list of events with links to program details and ticket information. Tickets to all events may be ordered through Ravinia’s box office, including general admission to free concerts and master classes. RAVINIA MAGAZINE • JULY 3 – JULY 16, 2023 72 RAV INI A S T EANS MUS I C INS T I TUT E