Artistic Leadership
Throughout our history, Ravinia has been fortunate enough to have been led by some of the most talented and resourceful leaders in the world of music. We are proud to say that tradition continues today.
James Conlon
Ravinia Festival Music Director
James Conlon, one of today's pre-eminent conductors, is Music Director of Ravinia Festival, which hosts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in its summer residency. He became Music Director of North America’s oldest music festival effective with the 2005 season.
Click here for a biography of James Conlon.
Ramsey Lewis
Artistic Director, Jazz at Ravinia
Walk with him down any Chicago street and watch people nod and smile or tell him what they were doing the first time they heard "The In Crowd," "Hang on Sloopy" or "Wade in the Water." Chicago institution Ramsey Lewis is used to such treatment; he's been receiving it for 30 years.
Click here for a biography of Ramsey Lewis.
Welz Kauffman
President and Chief Executive Officer
Welz Kauffman was named President and CEO of Ravinia Festival in October 2000. His years of artistic leadership, which includes positions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, perfectly suit the needs of Ravinia Festival, which offers over 150 musical experiences annually from June through September.
Click here for a biography of Welz Kauffman.