New Philharmonic announces 50th anniversary season

The New Philharmonic, the orchestra in residence at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn, announced its 50th anniversary season, which features such guest artists as violinist and Chicago Symphony Orchestra assistant concertmaster David Taylor, tenor Jesse Donner and mezzo-soprano Kate Tombaugh, among others.

The season commences Sept. 26-27 with a program titled “Musica Italiana Dolce” including Donner performing Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma,” “Appian Way” from Respighi’s “Pines of Rome,” the overture to Rossini’s “Barber of Seville,” along with themes from “The Godfather,” “Il Postino” and other films.

Taylor joins the orchestra Oct. 24-25 for “Mendelssohn, Bruch & Maxwell Davis — A Tribute to Scotland,” including Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” symphony and Max Bruch’s “Scottish Fantasy.”

The orchestra accompanies The Salt Creek Ballet’s performances of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 18-20, which typically sell out. The orchestra’s New Year’s Eve pops concert with guest soloist Tombaugh follows on Dec. 31.

John Williams’ 95th birthday celebrations take place Feb. 5-7, 2027, and showcase his scores from the films “Star Wars,” “Schindler’s List,” “Jaws,” “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park” and others.

The New Philharmonic 2026-2027 season concludes with a 50th anniversary celebration featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.”

Performances take place at 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Single tickets go on sale in July. They start at $61, $49 for “The Nutcracker,” $73 for New Year’s Eve and $70 for the season finale.

Season subscribers receive a 25% discount single ticket prices through May 9, and 20% off single ticket prices beginning May 10. Subscribers can also obtain tickets to “The Nutcracker” before they go on sale to the general public. Call (630) 942-4000 or visit AtTheMac.org.