The Concert Experience

Open Rehearsals

Open Rehearsals are an ideal way to check out classical music, especially if you’re uncertain about committing to a concert. These 60-minute casual rehearsals are a great way to introduce children to the orchestra. Be sure to RSVP for our open rehearsals by clicking the date listed under “When can I attend?”

An Open Rehearsal is the final dress rehearsal before a concert, usually the Thursday evening prior to a concert. You can expect to hear about half the music we’ve scheduled to play at the concert. This is a unique opportunity to see the orchestra at work in a casual setting. Maestra Schubert aims to perform entire individual works without stopping, but you’ll likely see her stop to make corrections and communicate with the musicians. This is a fun way to view the conductor/musician relationship and witness some of the nitty gritty of making impactful music. 

Open Rehearsals are free and open to the public!

The Open Rehearsals are scheduled typically from 7:30-8:30 PM, without intermission. 

From 8:30-9:00 PM, the orchestra takes a break to visit with patrons in the lobby. You’re encouraged to ask questions and share your comments with Maestra and the musicians- we love your feedback!

We offer complimentary desserts (usually brownies) for all attendees, graciously furnished by My Chef Catering, our In-Kind Sponsor.

Most Open Rehearsals feature a “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo” display. You will have a chance to hold and handle instruments, learn how to produce a sound, and ask instrument specialists how these instruments work.

Join us for our 2025/26 Open Rehearsals! All Open Rehearsals take place at Wentz Concert Hall. Upcoming dates are listed below.

Thursday, October 16, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Thursday, February 12, 2025

Lobby Experience

Welcome! The DSO Lobby Experience opens one hour prior to each concert. Join us before each concert and enjoy our subscriber perks table, lobby posters, and a cash bar with beer, wine, soda, and water for purchase. You might also experience the dulcet tones of student musicians – we often feature local musicians during our Preludes & Interludes program. Past performers have included the Spectrum Youth Singers, the Downers Grove North Jazz Band, Anima Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus, the Leman Middle School Mariachi Los Rayos Band, Naperville North High School chamber groups, the Young Naperville Singers, and the Scullen Middle School Honors Choir.  Don’t forget to enter our raffle to win two free DSO concert tickets! These make great gifts, especially for a DSO newcomer!

Preludes & Interludes

The Preludes & Interludes Series provides a valuable opportunity for chamber ensembles, made up of musicians from the region, to perform at DuPage Symphony Orchestra concerts throughout the season.

These short performances take place in the lobby before the concert and during intermission.

Preludes & Interludes musicians will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the performance for themselves and a family member or friend.  

Additional tickets may be purchased in advance by calling our Box Office at 630-778-1003. 

Complimentary tickets for the music directors or instructors of featured groups are also available.

Support the DuPage Symphony Orchestra