Ravinia names James Levine conductor laureate

Ravinia has bestowed the role of conductor laureate on James Levine, who served as the music festival's music director from 1973 to 1993.

The title recognizes Levine as "one of the most significant conductors in history," Ravinia President and CEO Welz Kauffman announced in a statement.

The title is reserved for "an exalted musician whose eminent leadership has formed and shaped an institution's artistic quality over time," the statement said. The five-year appointment has an automatic renewal.

"Every presenter strives to share the world's greatest artists with their audiences, and this historic appointment is prime proof of Ravinia's devotion to the music, the listeners and to the man himself," Kauffman said in the statement. "Ravinia's love of Levine has shone brightly for decades, and we're thrilled that this exciting new Levine residency demonstrates that the feeling is mutual."

In his new role, Levine will conduct multiple programs in a two-week annual residency beginning in 2018, in conjunction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's six-week summer residency. Levine will also lead master classes at Ravinia's Steans Music Institute.

Levine returns to Ravinia this season on Tuesday, Aug. 8, to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Haydn's "The Creation." For information visit ravinia.org.