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.

Join us for our ’23-24 Open Rehearsals! Upcoming dates, locations, and the RSVP link are listed below.

“Springtime Celebrations'” with DSO’s 2024 YAA Winner, Henry Auxenfans, violin

  • When: Thursday, March 14, 2024 @ 7:30-9:00pm
  • Where: Edman Memorial Chapel, Wheaton College – 401 E Franklin St, Wheaton, IL 60187
  • RSVP here.
 

“Modern and Melodious” with special guest, Mary Elizabeth Bowden, trumpet

  • When: Thursday, May 16, 2024 @ 7:30-9:00pm
  • Where: Wentz Concert Hall – 171 E. Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
  • RSVP here.

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 17 Holiday Concert! 

Our concerts feature Musical Instrument Petting Zoos, courtesy of our music store sponsors! 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 will feature:

December 17: The Spectrum Youth Singers for lobby caroling.

Spectrum Youth Singers is a community choir for children who love to sing. The group is based in Plainfield and provides top-notch vocal instruction and an excellent musicianship curriculum. Boys and girls have the opportunity to discover their true voice in a stimulating and nurturing environment where every singer can grow musically, intellectually and personally. 

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. 

2023-24 Concert Posters

Support the DuPage Symphony Orchestra