The Words & Music Program provides patrons of Chicagoland libraries complimentary lawn passes to attend concerts featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other classical artists every season. This summer season, guests from suburban libraries in the greater Chicago Metropolitan area and the Chicago Public Library can attend 11 concerts. More information on each concert and venue details can be found on Ravinia’s website at www.ravinia.org.
Blue Island Public Library patrons can sign up to receive tickets for the available concerts this summer. Tickets are limited to 2 tickets per household. Requests can be made in person at the Reference Desk.
The following concerts will be offered as a part of Words & Music 2026, while supplies last:
- Sun, 7/19 @ 5:00 PM – 4 lawn passes
MARIN ALSOP & MARIA DUEÑAS: BEETHOVEN’S “PASTORAL” SYMPHONY AND VIOLIN CONCERTO
Before the Performance: More Family Fun at KidsLawn:
3:00–4:30 p.m. at the KidsLawn space on the North Lawn
Join Reach Teach Play® for kid-focused activities before the performance!
KidsLawn also features interactive, large-scale percussion instruments to bring out the kids’ creative energy! - Thu, 7/23 @ 7:30 PM – 4 lawn passes
MARIN ALSOP: MAHLER’S SIXTH SYMPHONY - Fri, 7/24 @ 8:00 PM – 4 lawn passes
BREAKING BARRIERS: ON THE MOVIES - Fri, 7/31 @ 7:30 PM – 4 lawn passes
MARIN ALSOP: DVORAK’S “NEW WORLD & CARLOS SIMON’S GOOD NEWS MASS” - Sat, 8/1 @ 7:30 PM – 4 lawn passes
MARIN ALSOP & EMANUEL AX: JOHN WILLIAMS AND RACHMANINOFF - Sun, 8/2 @ 5:00 PM – 4 lawn passes
THIS LAND: AMERICA IN SONG
Before the Performance: More Family Fun at KidsLawn:
3:00–4:30 p.m. at the KidsLawn space on the North Lawn
Join Reach Teach Play® for kid-focused activities before the performance!
KidsLawn also features interactive, large-scale percussion instruments to bring out the kids’ creative energy! - Thu, 8/6 @ 7:30 PM – 4 lawn passes
KLAUS MAKELA & DANIEL LOZAKOVICH: SNOWY SOUNDS OF SIBELIUS AND STRAUSS - Fri, 8/7 @ 7:30 PM – 4 lawn passes
KLAUS MAKELA: STRAVINSKY’S THE FIREBIRD AND DEBUSSY - Thu, 8/13 @ 7:30 PM – 4 lawn passes
THE MUSIC OF QUINCY JONES - Fri, 8/14 @ 7:30 PM – 4 lawn passes
BRAHMS X RADIOHEAD - Thu, 9/3 @ 7:30 PM – 4 lawn passes
DAME JANE GLOVER & STEVEN ISSERLIS: MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE
