To show appreciation to the very talented members of our favorite orchestra, the Women’s Board annually hosts a dinner for CSO musicians.   Held this year on July 12, and co-chaired by Judy Konen and Randi Miron, the dinner, titled “Opus 81,” celebrated the 81st anniversary of the orchestra’s summer residency at Ravinia.

The CSO began performing at Ravinia in November 1905 and appeared semi-regularly through August 1931.  The Park was then closed for most of the Great Depression.  In July 1936, the CSO helped to inaugurate the first season of the Ravinia Festival Association and has been in residence every summer since.

The musicians and Women’s Board members enjoyed cocktails and a delicious dinner in the PNC Dining Room at the park prior to a concert featuring violinist Joshua Bell and the CSO, conducted by Andrey Boreyko.  The program included Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy and selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

Thanks to all who attended and supported this event, and special thanks to all the CSO musicians who have, for the past 81 years, continued to make Ravinia such an extraordinary music venue.