North Central College - Wentz Concert Hall

Wentz Concert Hall is hailed as a gem—the premier destination in Chicago’s western suburbs to appreciate performances of classical, jazz and contemporary music. The acoustics in Wentz Concert Hall are designed by Talaske Sound Thinking, acoustical consultants for Chicago’s critically acclaimed Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park. The venue also is ideally suited for recording. Hear what artists who have performed in Wentz Concert Hall say about the quality of the venue’s acoustics.

Wentz Concert Hall can be “tuned” through the motorized extension and retraction of sound-absorbing curtains. Two massive sound chambers, one on each side of the stage and invisible to the audience, enhance the audio characteristics and allow sound to bounce off multiple planes as it is directed to the audience.

Wentz Concert Hall has hosted such notable classical performers as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma and Lyric Opera of Chicago soloist Elizabeth Futral; jazz legends Herb Alpert, Herbie Hancock and Ramsey Lewis; and such contemporary artists as Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Colbie Caillat and Los Lonely Boys. The hall is the west suburban home of the Chicago Sinfonietta, home of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra and is an incomparable venue to showcase bands, orchestras and choirs of area high schools as well as the College’s multitude of musical ensembles and soloists.

Located at Chicago Avenue and Ellsworth Street in downtown Naperville, the Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center is named in honor of Dr. Myron Wentz, a visionary scientist, entrepreneur and lover of music who provided the lead gift for the Fine Arts Center. Dr. Wentz is also a North Central College alumnus of the class of 1963.

Opened: 2008
Capacity: 617
Square footage: 13,000