Are people still going to orchestra performances? Some have called it a dying art form, but Welz insists they’re still vibrant. In fact, there are more orchestra performances at Ravinia in 2006 than in previous summers. Welz argues that Ravinia isn’t interested in competing with other venues in the Chicagoland area—such as Millennium Park. He says the more venues for music, the better.

Featured Music: Chicago Symphony Orchestra, “III. Abteilung Rondo Finale,” Mahler: Symphony No. 5 (WDR, 1998); Tony Bennett, “Best Is Yet To Come,” Ultimate Tony Bennett (Sony, 2000)