MCIL 25th Anniversary Gala

We would love to invite you to join us for the Music Conservatory of Illinois’ 25th Anniversary Gala on Sunday, June 7 from 5:00–8:00 PM! This milestone celebration is set to be a dazzling night filled with music, mystery, and 1920s-inspired glamour, and we would be thrilled to have you take part in the celebration!

The Gala will take place at the Bourbon 'N Brass Speakeasy, an exquisite, Roaring ’20s-style venue tucked inside the historic Des Plaines Theatre (1476 Miner St, Des Plaines, IL).

From the moment guests arrive at 5:00 PM until the evening wraps at 8:00 PM, you’ll be immersed in an experience full of energy and surprises:

🍸 Food & Drink

Enjoy a delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, champagne, and non-alcoholic refreshments as you mingle and soak in the atmosphere.

🎁 Silent Auction

Guests will be tempted by an incredible lineup of auction items, including Ravinia Festival tickets, a chef’s five-course dinner for two at Oceanique Restaurant, private Pilates sessions, and a one-of-a-kind painting created especially for this event by local artist Kathleen Heitmann—just to name a few!

Every bid supports a meaningful cause, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting the Fermi Music Foundation’s Scholarship Fund.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 to fund five full scholarships starting in Fall 2026!

The silent auction items are as follows:

1. 2 Private Pilates Sessions with Pilates Connection

2. Christian Louboutin Boots

3. Performance by Lake and Luke

4. Artwork by Kathleen Heitmann

5. Five-course Dinner for Two at Oceanique

6. Bundle of Books from Booked Evanston

7. Borsalino Black Felt Fedora

8. Yoga Class Gift Certificate with Ahisma Yoga Studio

9. Beginner Piano Bundle with MCIL

10. Books + Gift Certificate from Secret World Books

11. Four CSO Lawn Tickets at Ravinia Festival

12. Four CSO Lawn Tickets at Ravinia Festival

13. Ted Baker Travel Toiletry Case

14. Restaurant Gift Card Bundle to Mustards Last Stand and Fat Shallot

15. Skincare Kit + Facial from Olivera Skincare Spa

🎶 Faculty Performances

We’re thrilled to announce an exceptional lineup of faculty performers, each bringing their unique talent and artistry to the stage throughout the evening:

• Joy Yelenosky, vocalist, accompanied by Ami Hatori on piano

• Catarine Hancock, vocalist, accompanied by Sonya Ur on piano

• Anthony D’Agostino on upright bass, joined by Jonah Schumow on saxophone

• Ami Hatori, piano

• Autumn Selover, harp

• Jake Westerbeke on violin, accompanied by Sonya Ur on piano

• Elise Blanchard & Elijah McTiernan, acoustic duo

This showcase highlights the extraordinary skill and versatility of our faculty: artists who not only teach, but truly bring music to life.

🎬 The Passacaglia Project Premiere

Gala attendees will be the first to witness this powerful, collaborative music video, with participation by our students and faculty, conceptualized and arranged by Nancy DeHaven: a true celebration of our vibrant musical community.

🕵️ Murder Mystery Experience

Expect intrigue, drama, and plenty of twists! Guests will take part in an interactive, suspenseful whodunnit.

Dress the Part (If You Dare!)

We invite you to embrace the spirit of the 1920s! Think shimmering sequins, elegant pearls, fringe, headpieces, pinstripes, bow ties, and fedoras; the more flair, the better. While dressing up is entirely optional, it’s a wonderful way to add to the magic of the night, and we’re excited to see the creativity of those who join in.

We have fewer than 20 tickets left!

If you are interested in attending, we urge you to purchase tickets as soon as possible! To purchase tickets, please follow this link:

https://www.musicconservatoryofillinois.com/fermi

Adult tickets are $95 each, and children’s tickets are $65 each.

Tickets will be available until May 8th, or until we sell out.

This evening is more than a celebration, it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Every dollar raised through ticket sales, donations, and auction items goes directly toward our scholarship fund, helping us provide five full scholarships to students in Fall 2026.

If you have any questions, we’re always here to help. Otherwise, get ready for a night of elegance, excitement, and celebration—we would love to see you there!