May 18, 2026
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
Bill Kurtis and donna la Pietra
Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago
David and Dorothy Dushkin Award
Marta Aznavoorian
Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence
the pleasure of your company is requested at the
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 95 years of musical excellence.
monDAY , MAY 18, 2026
Reception at 5:30 p.m.
Dinner and performances at 6:30 p.m. Event concludes at 9:00 p.m.
120 East Delaware Place
Enjoy music from MIC’s inspiring students and faculty.
PLUS ! A special performance by baritone Finn Sagal, rising star and esteemed artist from Lyric’s Ryan Opera Center, and Grammy Award-winning pianist Craig Terry.
Alexandra C. Nichols
Carlos R. Cardenas
Shiraz Kotte
COCKTAIL ATTIRE
Founded in 1931, the Music Institute of Chicago fosters lifelong engagement with music for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Through exceptional teaching, outstanding performance opportunities, and community programming, MIC harnesses the power of music to educate and motivate while providing broad access to high-quality music education.
The Gala provides the single-largest source of funds for scholarships, merit-based aid, and comprehensive programming. Your support ensures that the Music Institute positively impacts thousands of individuals of all ages and backgrounds from more than 100 Illinois communities.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to sponsor a table, please visit: musicinst.org/gala or call 847.448.8347. You are an essential part of this special night. Thank you for helping music change lives!
