Hits from the American Songbook

The Program for Singers offers a unique setting for 15 classical singers to delve deeply into the vast repertoire of art song for three weeks. Fellows are paired with staff collaborative pianists to work with a faculty of distinguished musicians, pedagogues, and scholars on varied aspects of vocal performance, including style, technique, language, diction, dramaturgy, performance, and career preparation.

In addition to a series of public masterclasses that focus on growing the fellows’ experience and interpretations of specific repertoire, the musicians participate in several afternoon and evening concerts presented during the summer, some with specially curated themes and others featuring repertoire selected by the performers.

This program is curated by Kurt Elling, the two-time Grammy winner who is Ravinia’s Audrey L. Weaver Jazz Advisor through the 2026 season. Without question the foremost male vocalist in jazz, Elling is renowned worldwide for his unparalleled virtuosity and flair for trailblazing artistic exploration. From his stunning reinvention of timeless standards to his own captivating original songcraft, the Chicago-based musician has fused his dazzling talents across a panoply of musical approaches, emblazoning each with signature imagination, insight, and emotional intelligence. After performing alongside RSMI Jazz Program co-Artistic Directors Billy Childs, Rufus Reid, and Steve Wilson in the Martin Theatre last season, he recently joined a quintet of RSMI Jazz Program alumni plus Reid and Wilson for a pair of touring concerts at the Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro in New Orleans.