local
Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion near Chicago reopens after $70 million gut renovation
By Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 9, 2026
· 4 min read
Brant Taylor walked onto the stage of the Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion to rehearse for the first time since a $70 million gut renovation and noticed a huge difference.“I found that in the previous iteration of the shell, I was having to wear protective earplugs quite a lot,” the cellist sai...
Key takeaway ”The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's summer home, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of the city, starts its season Saturday night with chief conductor Marin Alsop leading a program with pianist Yunchan Lim and flutist Lizzo.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The reopening of the Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion in Illinois may seem like a distant event, but its impact can be felt in Alamo Heights , where residents value high-quality performance venues. The $70 million renovation serves as a benchmark for what a successful overhaul of a historic venue can look like, potentially informing future projects in the San Antonio area. As Alamo Heights continues to grow and develop its own cultural scene, the example set by Ravinia's attention to acoustics, accessibility, and audience comfort could be particularly relevant. Local stakeholders might take note of the ways in which Ravinia balanced preservation of its iconic design with modern upgrades, resulting in a refreshed space that still honors its heritage. This balance will be crucial for any potential renovations or new construction in Alamo Heights, where historic charm and modern amenities must coexist.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Brant Taylor walked onto the stage of the Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion to rehearse for the first time since a $70 million gut renovation and noticed a huge difference.“I found that in the previous iteration of the shell, I was having to wear protective earplugs quite a lot,” the cellist sai...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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