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.
Icons and Innovators — a one-night-only celebration featuring exceptional artists affiliated with The Juilliard School and works by creators Philip Glass, Martha Graham, Marvin Hamlisch, John Williams, and more— will bring together extraordinary artists in a one-night-only tribute to Joan Harris who has been a longtime trustee of the school. Directed by Juilliard President Damian Woetzel, the performance will feature artists including legendary pianist Emanuel Ax; world-renowned violinist Midori, award-winning composers/musicians Jessie Montgomery, Nico Muhly, and Caroline Shaw; innovative violist Nadia Sirota; acclaimed choreographer and dancer Bobbi Jene Smith; rising classical pianists Derek Wang and Tony Siqi Yun; recent Juilliard graduates Kayla Mak of American Ballet Theatre and Laëtitia Hollard from The Pitt; with a special appearance by actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith, and additional artists and current Juilliard students to be announced!
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 Emanuel Ax, Midori, Jessie Montgomery, Nico Muhly, Caroline Shaw, Anna Deavere Smith, Bobbi Jene Smith, 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.
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
Harris Family Foundation, 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
The Crown Family
Shana and Peter M. Ellis / Reed Smith LLP
Jack and Sandra Guthman
Marilyn F. and David J. Vitale
Catalyst Table
Fifth Third Bank
Anne L. Kaplan
Christine and Glenn Kelly
Merrillyn J. Kosier and James F. Kinoshita
Cathy and Bill Osborn
PNC
William Harris Investors, inc.
Ally Ticket and Additional Donor Support
Cameron S. Avery and Lynn Donaldson
Mitchell Cobey and Janet Reali
Kimberly Dulac
Joan M. Hall
Mellody Hobson and George Lucas
Caroline and Charlie Huebner
Jill and Peter Litton
Michael McStraw and Andy Flaherty
Robert Michael
Carol Prins and John Hart, in honor of Joan W. Harris
Maria Zec
*Gala Supporter List as of March 6, 2026
Due to a scheduling conflict, Phillipa Soo will be unable to perform as previously announced. Current artist listing as of March 10, 2026. All artists and programs are subject to change.