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.
Young Peoples' Competition
Audition Sunday, May 18, 4-8p
Reservation Deadline: Thursday, May 15 Maestro Kirk Muspratt and New Philharmonic are happy to announce the 10th New Philharmonic Young People’s Competition – an educational outreach initiative showcasing the talents of our area young people. Winners of the competition will have the opportunity to perform at a New Philharmonic orchestra concert within eighteen months of…
Saturday, Oct 4 | 7:30p
Sunday, Oct 5 | 3p
Borodin Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dances Orff's Carmina Burana NISO Symphony Chorus, Directed by Thomas McNichols Guest Artists Emily Bursan (soprano), Richard Ollarsaba (baritone) and Thomas Alaan (countertenor) Carmina Burana is a musical feast for the senses. New Philharmonic is joined with the 80-voice Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus and soloists to perform this powerful cantata of…
Saturday, Nov 1 | 7:30p
Sunday, Nov 2 | 3p
Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Prokofiev Cinderella Tchaikovsky composes our first tale of love, the overture-fantasy based on Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. This melodious theme of tragic love is one of the most splendid in Western Classical music. Step into the enchanted music of Prokofiev’s Cinderella where a fairy godmother sets true love’s destiny in…
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 with surprises! A joyous night of reflecting back while looking ahead together through music. * Add ticket fee $3/ticket for all in…
Saturday, Jan 31 | 7:30p
Sunday, Feb 1 | 3p
Alisa Jordheim, soprano Kate Tombaugh, mezzo soprano Lorenzo Parnell, Tenor Jonathan Wilson, Baritone NISO Symphony Chorus, directed by Thomas McNichols 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 Sondheim, the pop-infused anthems of Andrew…
Saturday, Apr 11 | 7:30p
Sunday, Apr 12 | 3p
Daugherty Harp of Ages Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition Soloist: 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 note…
