May 4

The Occasion: The more than 250 guests of the Music Institute of Chicago took in an evening of cocktails, dinner, a live auction, awards, and musical performances, as the oldest community school in Illinois celebrated their 81st Annual Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

The Highlights: The Dushkin Award, established 25 years ago and named for the Music Institute’s founders Dorothy and David Dushkin, was awarded to Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti, recognizing his extraordinary 40-year career.

The End Result: More than $1.4 million was raised for scholarship and financial aid programs for the more than 7,000 students at the Music Institute’s eight campuses.

musicinst.org

Photography by Jennifer Girard and Bob Carl