Honoring Joan W. Harris
Saturday, May 2 / 5:00PM
Join us for a dazzling evening of artistry, celebration, and community honoring Joan W. Harris.
Guests will enjoy cocktails and dinner on the Harris Theater’s beautiful rooftop, then gather in Deering McCormick Hall for a special performance featuring acclaimed artists all affiliated with The Juilliard School.
We invite you to join us for the Icons and Innovators Gala: Honoring Joan W. Harris. The evening, co-chaired by Ted Grady and Ross Slotten, Caryn and King Harris, and Nancy and Scott Santi, will begin with a cocktail reception and dinner on the Harris Theater’s elegantly tented rooftop, followed by a one-night-only performance in Deering McCormick Hall.
The performance will feature exceptional artists affiliated with The Juilliard School, including award-winning composers Jessie Montgomery, Nico Muhly, and Caroline Shaw; violist and co-founder of the ground-breaking ensemble yMusic Nadia Sirota; acclaimed choreographer and dancer Bobbi Jene Smith; Tony Award–winning Broadway star Phillipa Soo; and rising classical pianist Tony Siqi Yun, fresh from debuts in the world’s great halls—from Carnegie to the Concertgebouw.
At the center of the evening is a celebration of Joan W. Harris, a founder and the namesake of the Harris Theater, whose visionary leadership and philanthropy have shaped the performing arts in Chicago and across the nation. The Icons and Innovators Gala directly supports the Harris Theater’s mission to serve as Chicago’s home for music and dance, connecting diverse audiences with outstanding artists from across the city, the nation, and the world.
Tickets to the Icons and Innovators Gala can be purchased at https://event.harristheaterchicago.org/gala, or by contacting Emma Lawrence, Board and Donor Relations Coordinator, at elawrence@harristheaterchicago.org.
An Evening of Award-Winning Artists
Icons and Innovators
This performance showcases an array of artists affiliated with The Juilliard School—including Jessie Montgomery, Nico Muhly, Caroline Shaw, Nadia Sirota, Bobbi Jene Smith, Phillipa Soo, and Tony Siqi Yun — exhibiting the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines the Harris Theater.
Performance-only tickets include reserved seats for the 8:00 p.m. performance; cocktail reception and gala dinner not included.
Image (Top to Bottom, Left to Right): Nico Muhly, Philippa Soo, Jessie Montgomery, Caroline Shaw, Bobbi Jene Smith, Tony Siqi Yun, Nadia Sirota
Two Ways to Attend Icons and Innovators
Gala TicketsPerformance-Only Tickets
Thank you to our early Gala Supporters!*
Event Chairs
Ted Grady and Ross Slotten
Caryn and King Harris
Nancy and Scott Santi
Honorary Chairs
Damian Woetzel, President of The Juilliard School
Lori Dimun, Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols President and CEO, Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Icons and Innovators Performance
Lead Presenting Sponsor
Irving Harris Foundation
Icon Host Committee
Caryn and King Harris
ITW
Abby McCormick O’Neil and D. Carroll Joynes
Alexandra C. Nichols
Nancy and Scott Santi
Innovator Circle
Abbott
Ted Grady and Ross Slotten
Joan W. Harris and Louise Frank
Northern Trust and Claire and Michael O’Grady
Visionary Benefactor
Shana and Peter M. Ellis / Reed Smith LLP
Jack and Sandra Guthman
Catalyst Table
Christine and Glenn Kelly
Merrillyn J. Kosier and James F. Kinoshita
PNC
*Gala Supporter List as of January, 28 2026