Join the Music Institute of Chicago for an inspiring evening in support of artistically excellent, accessible music education for all. The evening begins with a private cocktail reception. An elegant dinner follows, peppered by performances from Music Institute students and faculty and an award ceremony for the 2026 Honorees, all celebrating the Music Institute's vision of cultivating a lifelong relationship with music for everyone.
Proceeds from the annual Gala support excellence in teaching at MIC, upholding a standard and tradition centuries in the making. The Gala also provides the single largest source of funds for financial aid and scholarships, tuition-free community engagement, and neighborhood-based service activities. We hope you’ll help us again to positively impact thousands of musicians and music lovers of all ages and backgrounds from nearly 100 Illinois communities and scores of Chicago neighborhoods.
Honorary Chair
Alexandra Nichols
Co-Chairs
Carlos Cardenas, Shiraz Kotte
Honorees
Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra
Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago
Marta Aznavoorian
Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence
The Lyric Opera of Chicago
David and Dorothy Dushkin Award
If possible, kindly consider check or wire transfer payments for gifts of $5,000+.
Please send payments to:
Music Institute of Chicago
622 Davis Street, 4th Floor
Evanston, IL 60201
Attire: Cocktail
Event Contact: Grace Tuzik
About Music Institute of Chicago
The Music Institute of Chicago leads people toward a lifelong engagement with music through unparalleled teaching, exceptional performances, and valuable service initiatives that educate, inspire, and build strong, healthy communities. Since its founding in 1931, the Music Institute’s commitment to innovation, access, and excellence has served as an important community resource, helping to ensure music is available to everyone. Each year, the Music Institute provides personalized music instruction to more than 1,500 students, regardless of age, level of experience, or financial means, across Community Music School locations in Chicago, Downers Grove, Evanston, Lake Forest, and Winnetka, as well as online. The Music Institute also offers scholarship opportunities to students in its Community School and the Academy, a nationally recognized pre-college conservatory program for gifted high school pianists and string players. The Music Institute welcomes more than 15,000 visitors annually for performances, masterclasses, and special events at Nichols Concert Hall.