Renowned for its first-rate faculty and a fundamental drive to ensure equitable access to music, the Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) provides high-quality music education, world-class performances, and countless moments of inspiration to thousands of people each year.
MIC's annual Gala Benefit supports:
financial aid and scholarship offerings that allow students to embark on their musical journey regardless of their financial means,
tuition-free community engagement and schools programming that transcend participation barriers, and,
neighborhood-based service activities that ensure an accessible and diverse learning experience for all Chicagoland residents.
An inspiring evening in support of high-quality and accessible music education for all!
HONORING
Karen Gray-Krehbiel and John Krehbiel
2023 Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago
Marin Alsop
2023 Dushkin Award
Barbara Ann Martin
2023 Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence
Patron of the Arts
Alexandra and John Nichols
Honorary Chairs
Nancy and Scott Santi
Co-Chairs
Carlos R. Cárdenas • Dan and Yoo Mi Hahn • Barbara A. Speer
The evening begins with an hour-long, private cocktail reception in The Peninsula’s luxurious, award-winning restaurant The Lobby, followed by a sumptuous dinner in the elegance of its renowned ballroom.
Musical performances throughout the evening include:
talented vocal students from the Music Institute’s Community Music School, chamber music from MIC's renowned Academy for gifted pre-college musicians,
and a performance of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for soprano and an orchestra of cellos.
If possible, kindly consider check or wire transfer payments for gifts of $5,000+.
Please send payments to:
Music Institute of Chicago
1702 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Attire: Cocktail
Event Contact: Jen Breslin
About Music Institute of Chicago
Founded in 1931, the Music Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest community music schools in Illinois and was the first in the state to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. As one of the three largest community music schools in the United States, the Music Institute of Chicago serves students of all ages, abilities and ethnic and economic backgrounds and plays a significant role in the educational and cultural fabric of our community. With multiple campuses and teaching facilities in Chicago, Downers Grove, Evanston, Lincolnshire and Winnetka, as well as expansive community partnership programs in the inner city with the Chicago Public Schools and community-based organizations, more than 12,000 school-age children are reached each year.