WHITNEY HOUSTON TRIBUTE

She gave us some of the greatest songs of our lives. From such legendary hits as “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “Higher Love” to “How Will I Know,” the enduring popularity of the late Whitney Houston’s iconic songbook is a testament to her legacy.

On Friday, August 30, thanks to a special arrangement with Houston’s estate and the Chicago Philharmonic Society, Ravinia will host the world premiere of “The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration”—a multimedia production that pays tribute to the most-awarded female artist of all time.

This dynamic production celebrates the singer’s astounding musical contributions with new, original orchestrations of her sweeping catalog debuted by Chicago Philharmonic. From her legendary Super Bowl XXV performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” to her rendition of “I Will Always Love You” from the 1992 film, The Bodyguard, audiences will be immersed in the world of Whitney as the evening weaves through her music, film performances, intimate home videos, and rare never-before-seen photos and footage.

This official and authorized production is a collaboration between Pat Houston and the Estate of Whitney Houston, Park Avenue Artists, and Primary Wave Music. For the first time ever, the performance will showcase the original master recordings of Houston’s voice.

“We are thrilled to debut ‘The Voice of Whitney’ at the Ravinia Festival. This venue is steeped in great music, history, and culture,” said Pat Houston, Executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston. “Whitney would have been excited to have her music performed with the acclaimed Chicago Philharmonic.”

The Chicago Philharmonic Society—a collaboration of over 200 of the highest-level classical musicians in the Midwest—was founded by musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra in Known as the Chicago Philharmonic, the group has been called one of the country’s finest symphonic orchestras. With a uniquely versatile structure, Chicago Philharmonic performs innovative, genre-bending concerts that excite and engage diverse audiences.

The Estate of Whitney E. Houston was established in 2012, following the death of the internationally renowned superstar. Led, managed, and administered by Pat Houston, its mission is to further expand the global legacy of Whitney Houston. In partnership with Primary Wave Music, it continues the work of The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation, as well as the expansion of music recordings, film, television, and theatrical projects; brand development, and new partnerships and initiatives that authentically represent Whitney Houston’s voice and heart for service, young people, education, and community.

“Whitney loved the Chicago metropolitan area; it held a special place in her heart throughout her career,” said Pat Houston. “This concert event will be a perfect setting to further demonstrate Whitney’s virtuosity as a world-class artist. More importantly, her voice will continue to spread love and joy throughout the world.”

Tickets are available at ravinia.org.