As the worldwide opera community prepares to celebrate Verdi’s bicentennial in October, local classical music lovers can celebrate another musical anniversary closer to home. The DuPage Symphony Orchestra has planned a special season to commemorate its diamond anniversary.
While many community members may enjoy listening to an orchestra, not just any orchestra will listen to its audience. Thus, one unique feature of the DSO’s upcoming season is its Feb. 8 concert entitled “DSO ‘By Request’” with a program based upon audience feedback and musicians’ own picks. This illustrates the orchestra’s commitment to outreach that is echoed in free local programming, concerts at the DuPage Children’s Museum, post-concert Brownies with Barbara events (with Maestra Barbara Schubert), and more.
Certainly, this community involvement is one factor which contributed to the DSO being named the 2013 Community Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestra. The DSO previously won this award in 2007.
Highlights of the upcoming season include the November “Orchestra of the Year” concert (Verdi’s Nabucco overture, Beethoven’s “Pastoral Symphony”, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition). Meanwhile, the “Holiday Traditions” and “Broadway Spectacular” concerts are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
Although the DSO’s 60th season does not officially begin until the Diamond Anniversary concert on Oct. 12, community members may enjoy the orchestra throughout the coming months. The DSO performs “With a Gypsy Flair” at Wheaton’s Cantigny Park, 8PM on Sat., Jul. 27.
Additionally, conductor Barbara Schubert hosts “DSO Behind the Baton,” at 3PM on Sun., Sep. 22, to preview this special season. This event will be held at Wentz Concert Hall on the North Central College campus where the DSO holds their main season concerts.
For more information on these events, the full season schedule, and how to purchase tickets and subscriptions, visit www.dupagesymphony.org.
