The mission of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra is:

1. To provide volunteer orchestral musicians regular opportunities to exercise and develop their creative talents;
2. To increase the DuPage community's access to and appreciation for the full experience of fine art; and
3. To preserve the vitality of high quality orchestral music through regular public performances.

In pursuing this mission, the Dupage Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to:

• EXCELLENCE - Making it the standard for every performance
• EXPOSURES - Giving both our audience and members opportunities to become acquainted with fine music and musicians beyond their previous experience.
• EDUCATION - Offering something from which to learn, whether young or old.
• ENCOURAGEMENT - Giving opportunities to musicians, both youthful and experienced, through concerts, performance opportunities, competitions, and events just for them.
• ENRICHMENT - Sharing the beauty of quality orchestra music, for the enjoyment of our audiences as well as our members.

The DuPage Symphony is poised to enter its 56th concert season with the theme of "In Nature’s Realm", a musical exploration of nature and man’s place within it. Under the direction of Barbara Schubert, we launch our second season in the beautiful acoustics of Wentz Hall on the campus of North Central College with a selection of music designed to challenge our musicians to their highest level of performance while offering diverse listening opportunities including soloists both young and experienced, classical symphonic works, and new compositions. Also take note of other offerings, including our chamber concert series, community outreach, and other educational opportunities.

The orchestra first performed for the public as an all-volunteer ensemble in December, 1954 with its Constitution created about 2 years later as follows:

"The purpose of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra is to maintain a symphony orchestra in DuPage County, Illinois; to foster and develop musical talent in the county; to educate the public in symphonic literature; and to encourage attendance at symphonic concerts."

Founder Russell Harvey, starting with less than 50 musicians and without a permanent home, performed in various school auditoriums, country clubs, civic centers, and other venues around the county. While the original orchestra focused mainly on shorter works and early classical composers, today’s symphony offers its audience full symphonic performances and more diversity of composition for a broader listening experience and education for our every-growing audience. We still, however, remain loyal to the original purpose of this orchestra.