Fine & Performing Arts

North Central College in Naperville celebrated the grand opening of its spectacular new Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center at 171 E. Chicago Ave. with a Dedication Convocation on Saturday, October 18, during Homecoming Weekend. The event featured music by North Central College’s Concert Winds, Women’s Chorale and Concert Choir, and the presentation of North Central’s Fine Arts Medals to several distinguished guests in recognition of their leadership and efforts in supporting the Fine Arts Center and advancing the fine and performing arts at North Central College and in Naperville. The Fine Arts Medals were presented to:

• Judy G. Meiley Stevenson: College life trustee and president and treasurer of Magnetrol International, Inc., for her visionary philanthropy in support of the arts.
• Donald Hackl: College life trustee and president of Loebl Schlossman & Hackl architects who designed the Center.
• Rita Harvard: College life trustee and partner of Harvard Management Associates, for co-leading a community-wide campaign effort.
• David Kelsch: College trustee and president and CEO of Advanced Data Technologies, Inc., for co-leading a community-wide campaign effort.
• Ray Kinney: College trustee and principal of Minuteman Press, for co-leading a community-wide campaign effort.
• Stephen Sturk ’72: North Central alumnus and acclaimed composer who wrote the music for the processional “Joyful Noise.”
• The late Gus ’48 and Connie ’50 Schoenherr: Naperville residents and North Central alumni, who gave a gift enabling purchase of the property site for the Fine Arts Center. Beverly Schoenherr Speery accepted the award for her parents.
• Bartley and Maricela ’99 Madden: Naperville residents and alumna, who supported the Fine Arts Center and donated their historic home—the A.A. Smith House, which was the home of the first president of North Central College.
• Dr. Myron Wentz: College trustee, alumnus, successful entrepreneur and founder of three health-related companies, helped launch the building of Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center with his vision and lead gift.

We invite you to share in the celebration of this landmark achievement:

• View photos from the October 18 dedication;
• Read local and regional media coverage about the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center;
• Enjoy video of the October 18 building dedication ceremony. Video includes performances by the Concert Winds, Women’s Chorale and Concert Choir (87 minutes).

North Central College’s 2008-2009 Inaugural Fine and Performing Arts season is sponsored by:
Sara Lee Foundation: Wentz Concert Hall Inaugural Season
USG: Pfeiffer Hall Performing Arts Series
J.P.Morgan: Schoenherr Art Gallery Inaugural Exhibit
JPMorgan and Minuteman Press: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Concert
Office Max: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concert
Harris Private Bank: Chicago Jazz Orchestra Concert
Illinois Arts Council: Performing Arts sponsor

North Central College’s theatre department presents the classic musical comedy “She Loves Me,” the premise for the widely popular 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail.” Written by Joe Masteroff, with lyrics by Jerry Bock and music by Sheldon Harnick, “She Loves Me” is the tale of a couple who feud in real life but unknowingly become pen pals and fall in love.  ”She Loves Me” premieres in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., with six performances on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 6 at 8 p.m.; and Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15/adults, $10/students and senior citizens; call the North Central Box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or purchase tickets online.  

“This is possibly the most romantic musical ever written,” says Fine Arts Director Brian Lynch, director and choreographer. “This show is almost a textbook on how to write a musical; the characters are so well developed, every song has a purpose, the story line is interesting, and the music is incredible.”   Assisting Lynch with direction is Matt Boresi, visiting lecturer of theatre. Jeordano Martinez, professor of music, is musical director.   

North Central College welcomes internationally acclaimed guitarist Petar Jankovic to perform at the College’s new concert hall. A rising star among the world’s top musicians, Jankovic displays artistic sensibility and deeply personal yet sophisticated abilities, making him one of the most pre-eminent guitarists of his generation.  

Jankovic will perform at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, in Wentz Concert Hall at the College’s Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $25/person; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/show.

Since beginning his professional music career in 1985, Jankovic has delighted audiences at the more than 40 concerts he performs each season and enlightened students in his master classes throughout Europe and the United States. He has released two albums “Romantico” in 1998, followed by “Bogdanovic, Brouwer, Dyens” in 2002. Born in Yugoslavia, Jankovic is a professor and coordinator for the guitar department at Indiana University-Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Ind.