Icons and Innovators Gala:
Honoring Joan W. Harris
Honoring Joan W. Harris
Join us for an evening supporting The Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Saturday, May 2, 2026
5:00PM - 9:30PM
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 — 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.
To register and pay now via credit card, please select your desired level below.
To register and pay by check or ACH, please complete this pledge form and email it to elawrence@harristheaterchicago.org.
(Preferred for amounts over $5,000)
For any questions about registering for this celebration, please contact Emma Lawrence, Board and Donor Relations Coordinator at elawrence@harristheaterchicago.org.