Wentz Concert Hall in the North Central College Performing Arts Center is located at 171 E. Chicago Avenue, just steps from downtown Naperville and many fine restaurants. Think dinner and the show! (PN File Photo)
North Central College Report
The following performances are included on the calendar for fine and performing arts events taking place in October at North Central College. Unless otherwise stated, ticket information is available at northcentralcollege.edu/show or by calling the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).
8PM Fri., Oct. 3 Music: Celebrate Homecoming with an evening of music from the Department of Music. The Chamber Singers, Chorale, Concert Choir, Orchestra, and Concert Winds will come together for this annual tradition in the Wentz Concert Hall, filling the stage with energy, creativity, and community spirit. Arrive early and enjoy a lively pre-concert performance by the NCC Big Band in the lobby at 7:15PM before the main event begins at 8PM. Tickets are $7.
Thurs. – Sun., Oct. 9-12 Theatre: The North Central College Department of Theatre presents “Musical of Musicals: The Musical!” in the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, with music by Eric Rockwell, lyrics by Joanne Bogart, book by Eric Rockwell and Joanne Bogart, and directed by Sarafina Vecchio. In this hilarious satire of musical theatre, one story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim. Performances run at 7:30PM on October 9, 10 and 11, and 2PM October 11 and 12. Tickets are $14.
7:30PM Fri., Oct. 10 Music: Chicago a cappella, an ensemble of ten exceptional singers, opens its season with “Cantaré” at 7:30PM in the Wentz Concert Hall, celebrating a decade of collaboration with Mexican composers. Showcasing commissioned works and music born of lasting partnerships, the program spans tender love songs to evocative reflections of Mexico’s heart and heritage. This concert also marks Chicago a cappella’s 25th season performing for Naperville audiences and features works by Rodrigo Cadet, Jorge Córdoba, Novelli Jurado, Julio Morales, Elisa Schmelkes, and HerVoice Emerging Women Composers Competition winners Agustina Crespo and Emma Wilde. Tickets are $10–50. For tickets, visit chicagoacappella.org.
7PM Fri., Oct. 17 Music: North Central College welcomes the Chicago Sinfonietta as they present “Bollywood & Beyond” at 7PM in the Wentz Concert Hall. Step into a vibrant celebration of sound, spirit, and light just in time for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This first half brings the irresistible joy of Bollywood to the symphonic stage with selections from Symphony Masala, guest conducted by Roger Kalia and starring vocalist Anuradha ‘Juju’ Palakurthi, North American Bollywood sensation. Maestra Mei-Ann Chen leads a luminous second half where East-meets-West with music from China, Taiwan, India, and France—including selections from the legendary 2011 concert where our founding conductor Maestro Paul Freeman passed the baton to Maestra Chen. Tickets are $45–65.
7:30PM Sat., Oct. 18 Music: North Central is pleased to continue the NCC Faculty Recital Series at 7:30PM with the Wentz Concert Hall debut of tenor Dr. Aaron Short, who joined our voice faculty last year. Dr. Short joins piano faculty Susan Chou for Schubert’s “Die schöne Müllerin,” the song cycle that follows a young miller as he wanders along a sparkling river, dreams of love with a miller’s daughter, experiences joy and longing, and ultimately confronts heartbreak. This recital offers an evening of music that brings Schubert’s storytelling and the miller’s emotional journey vividly to life, marking Dr. Short’s first appearance in the series. Tickets are $7.
4PM Sun., Oct. 26 Music: North Central College welcomes the West Suburban Symphony at 4PM for their performance of “Classical Fireworks” in the Wentz Concert Hall. Ignite your week with a bang, with impassioned music that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride from despair to celebration: Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s booming “1812 Overture,” Mikhail Glinka’s exhilarating “Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture,” and Dimitri Shostakovich’s moving 20th century “Fifth Symphony.” Afterward, you’re invited to gather in the lobby for a champagne toast to Maestro Peter Lipari, in honor of his 25th season with the Symphony. Tickets are $0–35. For tickets, visit westsubsymphony.org.
7:30PM Fri., Oct. 31 Music: Sonata – Sonatina Festival Guest Recital featuring Jooeun Pak, piano at 7:30PM in Wentz Concert Hall. Acclaimed pianist Jooeun Pak takes the stage in a special recital presented as part of the Sonata – Sonatina Festival. Tickets are $7.
Thanks for supporting the arts!
North Central College’s 2025–2026 Fine and Performing Arts Season is partially supported by the following sponsors and partners: Dommermuth, Cobine, West, Gensler, Philipchuck and Corrigan, Ltd.
These upcoming events are among many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. North Central offers a variety of venues that accommodate a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public.
For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).
Think dinner & the show!
For a listing of places to dine in downtown Naperville, visit downtownnaperville.com.
