On Feb. 16, 2009, New Philharmonic was named “Professional Orchestra of the Year” by the Illinois Council of Orchestras. Music Director Kirk Muspratt conducts New Philharmonic which is the resident professional orchestra of the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn.
 
"We congratulate Kirk and New Philharmonic on this tremendous honor," said Stephen Cummins, director of McAninch Arts Center. "We have witnessed first-hand Kirk's dynamic efforts at making classical music accessible to more people, and we are thrilled that the wonderful musicians of New Philharmonic and Maestro Muspratt have received recognition from such an esteemed organization. The College of DuPage is proud to be the home of the New Philharmonic."
 
“I salute the members of New Philharmonic for their amazing, joyful work,” Muspratt said. “This band of musicians truly cares about its patrons. Everyone arrives for rehearsals and performances ‘loaded for bear.’ And we always have a lot of fun, too.”
 
Muspratt’s aspirations have never been small: He wants New Philharmonic to be considered among the best of professional orchestras and with this award, he has reached this goal. In his fifth season as conductor of New Philharmonic, “Maestro Dude,” as he likes to be known, has brought originality and fun to his concerts of classical orchestral music.
 
In fact, Muspratt has been lauded for his efforts to make classical music and opera more accessible and less stuffy. New Philharmonic concerts meld exceptional classical performances with audience interaction and personal attention. For example, Muspratt utilizes “Just Ask Kirk” cards, distributed at concerts to audience members encouraging them to write any questions they might have about the program, the composer or the orchestra. Muspratt collects the cards, answers some on-stage and responds to the rest after the concert either by e-mail or phone call.
 
Another Muspratt innovation is the interactive intermission at a New Philharmonic concert. Muspratt and many of the musicians mingle with the audience members during the 15 minutes, answering questions and chatting. Because he is accessible and extremely personable, Muspratt cultivates strong connections and exceptional loyalty from patrons.
 
In addition, New Philharmonic features a “Side-by-Side” program where student musicians are given the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside professionals. This experience is thrilling for the students and gratifying for New Philharmonic musicians.  
 
The award will be presented by representatives of the Illinois Council of Orchestras to dignitaries of College of DuPage and McAninch Arts Center at New Philharmonic’s next concert, “Bruch and Bartok.” Featuring violinist Robert Hanford, concertmaster at Lyric Opera of Chicago, the concert takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.
 
 
The award
 
An awards panel that included judges from outside arts organizations and members of the Illinois Council of Orchestras reviewed statewide nominations representing professional orchestras, youth orchestras and chamber ensembles.
 
“Orchestra of the Year is awarded to New Philharmonic in recognition of exemplary achievements,” said Bryan Shilander, awards co-chairman of The Illinois Council of Orchestras, in a congratulatory letter.
 
The Illinois Council of Orchestras was founded in 1974 with a mission to encourage, promote and assist orchestras throughout the State of Illinois, to promote an exchange of information among members, and to hold educational conferences for member organizations including musicians, staffs, boards, volunteers and audiences.
 
New Philharmonic and DuPage Opera Theatre, both resident professional companies of the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, are celebrating 32 years of making music in the suburbs. For more information, call 630-942-4000 or visit www.atthemac.org.
 
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About New Philharmonic
 
New Philharmonic is a fully-professional, 80-member orchestra that has inspired classical music aficionados in Chicago and the suburbs for three decades. Under the direction of Conductor and Music Director Kirk Muspratt, the group gives innovative treatment to both classic compositions and modern works and strives to make the music accessible to new audiences and youth through a variety of educational efforts. New Philharmonic is the resident orchestra of the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn and performs a complete season annually.
 
 
About the McAninch Arts Center
 
The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) at College of DuPage is a state-of-the-art facility bringing professional theater, music, dance, comedy, opera and visual art to the residents of Northern Illinois. Housing three distinctive performance spaces and an art gallery, the facility has a unique design that allows patrons to experience all the arts under one roof. Since its opening in 1986, more than 1.5 million people have attended performances, gallery exhibits and events. The MAC scheduled more than 230 performances during 2007-2008 alone, bringing in more than 75,000 patrons from the Chicago region and beyond.
 
In addition to presenting touring artists, the MAC houses five resident professional companies, including Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, New Philharmonic Orchestra, DuPage Opera Theatre, Arts Center Jazz Ensemble, and New Classic Singers.
 
The MAC also maintains a robust community outreach program with initiatives such as its SchoolStage program, which connects performers and students for an interactive, educational arts experience. Because of its efforts to increase community access to the arts, the MAC has earned the Illinois Arts Council’s Partners in Excellence designation, which recognizes 40 of the most significant cultural institutions throughout the state.
 
The MAC is 30 miles west of Chicago in central DuPage County, near I-88 and I-355 and offers free parking and discounted rates for groups and outings. For tickets and information, call 630- 942-4000 or visit www.AtTheMAC.org.
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The mission of the McAninch Arts Center is to foster enlightened educational and performance opportunities, which encourage artistic expression, establish a lasting relationship between people and art, and enrich the cultural vitality of the community.