New Philharmonic: Tchaikovsky's "Romeo & Juliet" and Prokofiev's "Cinderella" at the MAC Nov. 1 & 2

Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Maestro Kirk Muspratt, New Philharmonic, the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) resident ensemble and DuPage County’s only professional orchestra presents “Romeo & Juliet” | “Cinderella” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. A free MAC chat precedes each performance one hour prior to performance.

“Romeo & Juliet” in b-minor, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893), was inspired by Shakespeare's play. Described by Tchaikovsky as a “fantasy overture,” the 20-minute work does not depict the play’s events but instead represents the principal characters and concepts. The original 1869 performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo & Juliet” met with lukewarm reviews. A revised version debuted in 1872 to moderate but better reviews. The third version debuted in 1870 and became a favorite among musicians and audiences alike. It has since been used in film and TV in romantic moments ranging from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire” to “South Park” to “Wayne’s World.” Candles lining the stage will give the performance a special romantic touch.

“Cinderella” (Opus 87) by Sergei Prokofiev (1891–1953) was composed as a ballet and debuted at the Bolshoi Theater in 1945. It is one of Prokofiev’s most popular works and features themes of perseverance, kindness, transformation and the triumph of good. The New Philharmonic performance features 23 of the 50 movements from the ballet. WFLD Fox 32’s Paris Schutz will join Maestro Muspratt and New Philharmonic on stage to provide live narration.

The McAninch Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn, Ill., presents New Philharmonic: “Romeo & Juliet” | “Cinderella”,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. Tickets are $59. A limited number of $10 tickets are available for students with valid ID. A free MAC Chat will precede the concerts one hour prior to the performance. Order tickets online: AtTheMAC.org, by phone 630.942.4000 or visit the MAC Box Office. Box Office hours are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and two hours prior to performance. Media sponsor for these concerts is 90.9 FM WDCB Public Radio.