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DuPage Symphony opens Cantigny concert series

Dig the candelabra out of the cupboard, grab a bottle of wine and a hunk of Brie and set the GPS for Cantigny Park.

The first of three outdoor summer symphony concerts begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, on the leafy grounds of the 500-acre Wheaton estate.

This one features the DuPage Symphony Orchestra. Maestra Barbara Schubert will conduct an "American Salute," with selections from composers including Aaron Copland, Richard Rodgers, Henry Mancini, Morton Gould, Ferde Grofe and Max Steiner.

"It's a program that sort of starts with the second half of the 19th century, the enthusiasm for expansion and American growth," Schubert said.

Selections will include Steiner's "Tara: Theme from 'Gone With the Wind,'" Gould's "American Salute," and Grofe's "Mississippi Suite."

The second half of the concert will feature western-themed pieces, including songs from the Broadway musical "Oklahoma" and a piece titled "Wyatt Earp Suite."

The concert will close with a tune from "The Magnificent Seven," a piece Schubert said is easily recognizable by all, including children.

Cantigny's gardens provide a pleasant backdrop for musical journeys, she said.

"We've played there for quite a number of years," said Schubert. "It's a beautiful venue. We'll be under a tent with a good sound system. There are these big trees and a little brook that goes by."

Schubert said the Cantigny concerts are good family entertainment.

Jeff Reiter, Cantigny Park senior communications manager, agreed.

"It's a family-oriented event. The symphonies try to keep it fun. They keep it familiar," Reiter said.

Concessions, including soft drinks and light snacks, will be available. Reiter said concertgoers may bring chairs, blankets and picnic dinners, including alcohol.

"Some people go all out. They bring little tables with candles on them," Reiter said. "They come a little early. It's really a lot like Ravinia, on a smaller scale."

Reiter said the lawn seating outside Cantigny's First Division Museum is especially inviting for children.

"The kids can run around. Kids like to sit on top of the tanks and watch the concert from there," he said.

Making it even more accessible to families is this year's time change, Schubert said. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., half an hour earlier.

Cantigny also has changed the ticketing for its summer concert series, offering a passport system, Reiter said. The price is $35 for a Symphony Passport, which allows one carload of visitors to gain admission. Ticket prices include parking.

"It's way less expensive to attend, which we're delighted about," Schubert said.

Filling out the Cantigny Park summer symphony schedule, the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23. Tickets are $30 per carload if purchased by July 17, but $35 after.

The Chicago Sinfonietta will perform at a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4. Reiter said there is no charge for admission or parking at this event, which is presented on McCormick Day in honor of the park's benefactor, Robert R. McCormick.

Last year, he said, the free concert drew 2,500 music lovers.

"That turned out to be our most-attended symphony in our history," he said.

The concerts will be presented rain or shine, Reiter said.

In addition to its 2016-17 subscription series beginning in October, the DSO will play free concerts in Naperville's Central Park on Saturday, July 16, and at Naperville's Riverwalk in September.

If you go

What: DuPage Symphony Orchestra "American Salute!" concert

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25

Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton

Admission: $35 per carload; for limos, buses and trolleys, the cost is $35 for every four occupants; free parking

Info: (630) 668-5161 or cantigny.org for Cantigny; (630) 778-1003 or dupagesymphony.org for the symphony

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