New Philharmonic
Kirk
Muspratt, music director and conductor
Experience the energy and personable style of Maestro Kirk Muspratt,
conducting his seventh season with the award-winning New Philharmonic. Join
us for a season rich with classical favorites and a brand new pops series.
About New Philharmonic
Thirty three years ago College of DuPage embarked on the bold and visionary
experiment of sponsoring under its umbrella professional level organizations
in the performing arts. Today that vision continues to flourish. Under Harold
Bauer’s direction New Philharmonic and DuPage Opera Theatre formed and
were followed in subsequent years by New Classic Singers, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble
and Arts Center Jazz Ensemble. This venture was, of course, in addition to the
large quantity of student/community activity in the arts.
Since its first concert in November 1977, when an orchestra of 24 carefully
auditioned musicians performed for a capacity audience of 330 in the Building
M “open space” on west campus, New Philharmonic has grown and thrived.
Now under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Kirk Muspratt, the orchestra
numbers between 55 and 65 players, depending on the repertoire, and performs
for between 1,200 and 1,500 people per concert pair in the beautiful McAninch
Arts Center. The college provides substantial in-kind support. Funding comes
from ticket sales, corporate and individual donations, grants, the Illinois
Arts Council, and from the college’s Student Activities Fund.