New Philharmonic presents candlelit performance of music by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev

Live narrator, Paris Schutz, will join New Philharmonic during its candlelit performance of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet (Overture-Fantasy) and Prokofiev’s Cinderella Nov. 1 & 2.

Maestro Kirk Muspratt. Photo Courtesy of McAninch Arts Center.

“Truly there would be reason to go mad were it not for music,” said Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Music provides solace and inspiration, and New Philharmonic, the only professional orchestra in DuPage County, is happy to prove it once again.

Under the baton of Maestro Kirk Muspratt, New Philharmonic will present Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet (Overture-Fantasy) and Prokofiev’s Cinderella at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 2 at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn.

A free MAC chat will precede each performance one hour prior to performance.

“Experience a candlelit symphony of love! On November 1-2, New Philharmonic will perform two timeless tales conducted by Maestro Kirk Muspratt: Tchaikovsky’s powerful Romeo and Juliet, and Prokofiev’s enchanting Cinderella,” announced McAninch Arts Center on its Facebook page. “From Shakespeare’s tragic romance to a fairy godmother setting destiny in motion, this is music that captures the heart.”

Tchaikovsky completed his Romeo & Juliet (Overture-Fantasy) in 1869, and it premiered on March 16, 1870. The composer was inspired by Shakespeare's play of the same name. In his 20-minute work, Tchaikovsky presents a variety of characters and moods whose melodies demonstrate effective musical contrast. It was twice revised, reaching its final form in 1880. 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.

Sergei Prokofiev composed Cinderella (Opus 87) as a ballet in 1945. The same year, it debuted at the Bolshoi Theater. The composer wrote this work during a very difficult time in history, right after World War II, when the world was still recovering from it. The ballet was inspired by Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale, which had already seen many adaptations in literature, theater, and film. It tells the timeless story of a young woman who despite her hardships finds love and happiness with the help of a magical interference. It is one of Prokofiev’s most popular works that features themes of perseverance, kindness, transformation and the triumph of good.

The New Philharmonic performance features 23 of the 50 movements from the ballet. Under the baton of Maestro Muspratt, this performance will be unforgettable. WFLD Fox 32’s Paris Schutz will join Maestro Muspratt and New Philharmonic on stage to provide live narration.

Don’t miss a great opportunity to attend this wonderful performance full of beautiful music, bright emotions, and endless love and inspiration.

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. For tickets, please go to https://atthemac.org/events/romeo-juliet-cinderella/, call 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. 

Natalia Dagenhart