The New Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1977, when the College of DuPage boldly embarked on sponsoring resident professional arts organizations. Since its first concert in November 1977, when an orchestra of 24 carefully auditioned musicians performed for a capacity audience of 330 in the Building M open space on west campus, New Philharmonic has expanded and thrived. Now under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Kirk Muspratt, the orchestra numbers approximately 60 players, depending on the repertoire, and performs for audiences of 1,500 people per engagement in the beautiful McAninch Arts Center. Under Muspratt’s direction, the orchestra performs innovative renditions of classic and modern works. New Philharmonic is the only professional orchestra based in DuPage County, Illinois, and is grateful to call the MAC its home. The college provides substantial in-kind support. Funding comes from ticket sales, corporate and individual donations, grants, the Illinois Arts Council, DuPage Community Foundation, JCS Fund, College of DuPage Foundation, and from the college’s Student Activities Fund.
Friday, Dec 19 | 7p
Saturday, Dec 20 | 1p & 5p
Sunday, Dec 21 | 1p & 5p
Salt Creek Ballet: The Nutcracker Saturday 1 & 5p: Limited Availability Sunday 1p: Limited Availability The MAC welcomes back Salt Creek Ballet with a roster of guest artists to perform a holiday tradition: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This magical full-scale production features live accompaniment from New Philharmonic – a rare opportunity to see this magnificent ballet…
Wednesday, Dec 31 | 1:30p, 5p, 8:30p
Alisa Jordheim, Soprano Ring in 2026 with Maestro Muspratt as he conducts a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve pops concert featuring a variety of light classics, Strauss waltzes, arias, guest singer, champagne and surprises! A joyous night of reflecting back while looking ahead together through music. * For All-in price, add $3/ticket. Add’l fees…
Saturday, Jan 31 | 7:30p
Sunday, Feb 1 | 1 & 5p
Alisa Jordheim, soprano Kate Tombaugh, mezzo soprano Lorenzo Parnell, Tenor Jonathan Wilson, Baritone NISO Symphony Chorus, directed by Thomas McNichols Sunday, Feb 1 – Limited Availability A dazzling evening of Broadway’s greatest hits, spanning over eight decades of show-stopping music! From the Golden Age classics of Rodgers & Hammerstein to the revolutionary works of Stephen…
Saturday, Apr 11 | 7:30p
Sunday, Apr 12 | 3p
Daugherty Harp of Ages Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition Guest Artist: Nichole Young, Harp Modest Mussorgsky’s inspiration for “Pictures at an Exhibition” came from an art exhibition of paintings by his recently departed friend, Viktor Hartmann. Full of emotional ups and downs, this masterpiece takes you on a vivid journey through Mussorgsky’s imagination with each…
