North Central College presents a calendar for fine and performing arts events taking place on various venues throughout December. For tickets, call (630) 637-7469. (PN File Photo / North Central College Fine and Performing Arts Center, home of Wentz Concert Hall and Madden Theatre)
North Central College Report
7PM Tues., Dec. 3 Music: North Central College Department of Music presents the Concert Winds Winter Concert at 7PM in Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. The North Central College Concert Winds performs the final concert of the Fall semester. The Concert Winds is known for its precision and musicality. The band will perform both standards and contemporary instrumental literature. Tickets are $7.
7:30PM Wed., Dec. 4 Music: North Central College Department of Music presents the Jazz Combo Winter Concert at 7:30PM in Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Join North Central College for the Jazz Combo Winter Concert, where students will perform some of the most popular jazz standards. Experience a showcase of classic jazz, brought to life by our emerging musicians. Tickets are $7.
Five Times, Dec. 5-8 Dance: North Central College welcomes the "Naperville Nutcracker" presented by Elise Flagg Academy of Dance in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. The tradition continues. Celebrate this holiday season with the magic of this timeless classic, set to the beloved score by Tchaikovsky, with its beautiful costumes, gorgeous sets and impressive dancing. This production is guaranteed to fill the audience with cheer and delight. Performances run at 10:30AM Thurs., Dec. 5, for a special school performance; 6:30PM Fri., Dec. 6; at 1PM and 5PM Sat., Dec. 7; and 1PM Sun., Dec. 8. Tickets are $10 for the special school performance and $40 for all other performances.
Two Times, Dec. 7-8 Dance: North Central College welcomes the Naperville Chorus "Swingin' into Christmas" with the Pete Ellman Big Band plus "Gloria" by John Rutter in the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Feel a rush of holiday spirit with "Swingin' into Christmas," featuring both foot-tapping jazz and traditional arrangements of seasonal music. These holiday classics will be paired with "Gloria," composed in 1974 and described as "exalted, devotional, and jubilant" by the composer. The Naperville Chorus has performed concerts during both the holiday season and the spring for nearly 50 years. This year's Christmas concert will be the 8th collaboration between the Chorus and the Pete Ellman Big Band. Performances run 7:30PM Sat., Dec. 7; and 3PM Sun., Dec. 8. Tickets are $25-30.
3PM Dec. 8 Music: North Central College Department of Music presents the Vocal Jazz & Latin Jazz Ensembles Winter Concert at 3PM in Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble is under the direction of faculty member Abigail Riccards. The ensemble will present a captivating a cappella performance featuring a selection of jazz standards and contemporary pieces. "Rhythms of Latin America" with the North Central College Latin Jazz Ensemble, directed by Juan Pastor, the coordinator of the jazz program, will feature legendary music from Hector Lavoe, Cuban classics like "La Negra Tomasa," and modern salsa by Alain Perez. Join us for a musical journey through Peru, Brazil, Cuba, and Puerto Rico - a celebration of diverse Latin jazz cultures. Tickets are $7.
1PM Dec. 15 Dance: North Central College welcomes the Arts Ballet Conservatory "An Afternoon of Dance" at 1PM in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Arts Ballet Conservatory is presenting "An Afternoon of Dance," "Graduation Ball" and "Horizons Call." "Graduation Ball" is a classical ballet, and the story is set in a fashionable Vienne school for girls. The senior and junior girls have planned a series of divertissements as the evening's entertainment and are excited by senior class graduation. "Horizons Call" is a piece about a meditation on the time spent and experienced between Dawn, Sunrise, Dusk, and Sunset. Each section contains movements inspired by the dancers' own experiences. Tickets are $20-28.
2:30PM & 4:30PM Dec. 15 Music: North Central College welcomes the DuPage Symphony Orchestra "Holiday Magic" at 2:30PM and 4:30PM Sun., Dec. 15, in the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Always a family favorite, the DuPage Symphony's annual holiday concert offers a showcase of festive popular songs, familiar carols, movie medleys and seasonal selections from around the world. With excerpts from Tchaikovsky's "Winter Dreams" symphony, "Sleigh Ride" music by Frederick Delius, Peter Lawson, Robert Wendel and much, much more. This festive program is guaranteed to warm your heart and lift your spirits. And who knows: will that special someone once again come to Wentz Concert Hall to take over Maestra Schubert's podium? Tickets are $8-24.
Call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/show.
North Central College's 2024-2025 Fine and Performing Arts Season is partially supported by the following sponsors and partners: Nicor Gas; and Dommermuth, Cobine, West, Gensler, Philipchuck and Corrigan, Ltd.
These upcoming events are among many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. Just steps from downtown Naperville in the heart of the City, North Central offers a variety of venues that accommodate a rich range of local and world-class events, performances and space needs for the public.
For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical and dance productions, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).
Downtown Naperville dining establishments are prepared to please every appetite before or after any performance. For a restaurant listing, click here!
The Naperville Municipal Band is set to perform the second concert of its indoor season beginning at 7:30PM Fri., Dec. 13, on stage at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. "Home for the Holidays" will include a Christmas sing-a-along and many heart-warming traditional favorites. Admission is free of charge. No tickets are needed. For more info, visit napervilleband.org.