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 Friday evening prior to a Saturday 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) and beverages for all attendees, graciously furnished by My Chef Catering, our In-Kind Sponsor.
Most Open Rehearsals feature a “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo” display by one of our sponsoring music stores. You will have a chance to hold and handle instruments, learn how to produce a sound, and ask instrument specialists how these instruments work.
Date: Friday, November 18, at 7:00 PM
Location: Waubonsie Valley High School
Vendor: Austin’s Violin Shop
7:00-7:30 PM Indigenous instrument demo & discussion with Chris Garcia; visit Austin’s Violin Shop display
7:30-8:30 PM Rehearsal
8:30-9:00 PM Meet & Greet with Maestra & Guest Soloist William Hagen; eat desserts; visit Austin’s Violin Shop display
Date: Friday, February 10, at 7:30 pm
Location: Wentz Concert Hall
Vendor: Ellman’s Music Center
7:30-8:30 PM Rehearsal
8:30-9:00 PM Meet & Greet with Maestra & Guest Soloist Wynona Wang; desserts; visit Ellman’s Music Center display
Date: Thursday, May 11, at 7:30 pm
Location: Wentz Concert Hall
Vendor: PM Music Center
7:30-8:30 PM Rehearsal
8:30-9:00 PM Meet & Greet with Maestra and Guest Soloist Sarah Brailey; desserts; visit PM Music Center display
Lobby Experience
Welcome! The DSO Lobby Experience opens one hour prior to each concert.
Join us for a delightful beverage and review our concert posters which are full of fun facts about the music and composers to be featured at our performances. For those interested in percussion you will need to talk with one of the percussionists on stage after the concert.
Enjoy the dulcet tones of student musicians – we often feature local musicians during our Preludes & Interludes program. We will feature the Spectrum Youth Singers at our December 19, 2022 Holiday Concert and on February 11, 2023, we showcase the Downers Grove North Jazz Band as part of our “American Spirituals & American Jazz” program.
Our concerts feature Musical Instrument Petting Zoos, courtesy of our season sponsor, Quinlan & Fabish Music Company! We will have a large display of winds, brass, and string instruments for you to try out. Toot a horn, pluck a string, squeak on a clarinet, all while learning more about each instrument’s unique capabilities.
Take advantage of these instruments and snap a picture at our DSO Photo Booth, complete with signs and silly props! You can win free concert tickets when you post to your social media and tag the DSO!
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 Student Musician Series provides a valuable opportunity for chamber ensembles, made up of high school musicians in DuPage County, to perform at DuPage Symphony Orchestra concerts throughout the season. The DSO provides real-life orchestral experiences for area students.
This season, we feature:
December 18, 2022 The Spectrum Youth Singers for lobby caroling
February 11, 2023 The Downers Grove North High School Jazz Band
These short chamber performances take place in the lobby during intermission or prior to various DSO concerts.
Students participating in the Preludes & Interludes program will receive 2 complimentary tickets to the performance and a discounted rate for family members.
Additional tickets may be purchased in advance through the General Manager Amber Broderick (abroderick@dupagesymphony.org) or by calling our Box Office at 630-778-1003.
Complimentary tickets for the music directors or instructors of featured students are also available.
Concert Posters
