Marin Alsop Extends Contract with the Ravinia Festival Through to 2025

The Illinois-based Ravinia Festival is the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and runs for three weeks each summer season.

American conductor Marin Alsop has been involved with the Ravinia Festival in some capacity since 2018, when she came on board as its curator. Her contract extension as chief conductor will see her in the role until 2025.

Her continuing association with the orchestra has led some commentators to speculate that Alsop is among the frontrunners for Ricardo Muti's job at the CSO, with his contract coming to an end in 2023.

This year, Alsop will also curate the first Breaking Barriers Festival, which takes place from July 29 to July 31. The festival will focus on the history of women on the podium, honoring 20 years of the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship and the centenary of Margaret Hillis, the pioneering founder of the Chicago Symphony Chorus.

“Marin Alsop’s leadership and mentorship continue to inspire a diverse range of artists to shape the future of classical music,” said Jeff Haydon, president and CEO of Ravinia. “Ravinia is thrilled to extend Marin’s partnership and to expand her leadership of our presentations by establishing the annual Breaking Barriers Festival. We’re also eager to have her connect again with our education programs, Reach Teach Play.”

“I’m thrilled to continue this creative partnership with the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the visionary management and board of the Ravinia Festival," Alsop said. "Gender equality and representation in music are areas I’ve focused on during my entire career, and it’s gratifying to work with partners who support and champion positive change in our industry.”