Annual Concert Series
High-Production, Multi-Genre Theme Concerts Driven by Elite Youth Talent
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THE CORE CONCEPT
Each year, two unique, high-production musical showcases aimed at pushing the limits of youth performance are presented under a single thematic word. Through spatial staging, an immersive atmosphere, and professional production standards, Amatones NFP brings together top musicians from all over Illinois to perform in a variety of genres, centuries, and styles, redefining the traditional concert experience.
THE ORIGIN STORY
What began in fall 2025 as a solo piano recital, An Alex Amato Christmas, rapidly expanded when complex arrangements demanded a full string quartet and driving percussion. The result was a sold-out winter performance and the region’s only standalone holiday concert entirely conceived, directed, and performed by high school musicians.
Driven by the elite talent of local youth, the project evolved into a continuous seasonal series, concluding its inaugural year with the full-house yacht-rock show Amid the Harbor Lights in April 2026. Now the flagship program of Amatones NFP, the series provides a high-production, multi-genre stage for the next generation of Illinois musicians to lead, collaborate, and redefine live performance.
THE SIMPLE, DISTINCT IDEA
At the heart of our concert series is a simple, distinctive idea: standalone concerts conceived, directed, and performed entirely by young artists. These performances give musicians a platform to collaborate, lead, and share their artistry in a space devoted entirely to their creative voices.
2025-2026 "AMID" BY THE NUMBERS
“These local youth are not just students mastering instruments—they are elite competitors, composers, and improvisers looking for a platform devoted to their creative voices. Amatones provides that platform."
-Alexander J. Amato, Artistic Director & Founder
2026-2027 Concert Series: Around
The 2026-2027 Concert Series, Around, continues its reputation as an elite youth music initiative in DuPage County, aiming to scale its success by implementing a collaborative leadership model, professionalizing the patron experience, and elevating audience immersion.
Around centers on the concept of gathering our community together for two transformative musical experiences. We will open on December 6, 2026, with “Around the Christmas Tree,” focusing on festive repertoire centered on togetherness. Then, on April 11, 2027, we will close the season with “Around the Sunset Glow,” our next installment of high-energy yacht rock, designed to transport the audience through a sonic sunset. Both performances will take place at 4:00 PM at Naperville Covenant Church.
Tickets for "Around the Christmas Tree" go on-sale OCTOBER 29TH, 2026. Stay tuned for more information!
TWO CONCERTS. ONE SHARED IDEA: GATHERING PEOPLE TOGETHER.
Around the Christmas Tree
December 6, 2026 | Naperville Covenant Church
Following the success of our inaugural season, Amatones NFP presents “Around the Christmas Tree,” the opening production of our 2026–2027 Concert Series: AROUND. Under the artistic direction of Alexander J. Amato, the program unites the state’s finest young talent on one stage, featuring 20 elite student musicians representing 17 schools across 15 Illinois communities. The festive repertoire spans diverse styles, genres, and traditions centered on community and warmth. Join us at Naperville Covenant Church as we gather to celebrate togetherness and the power of shared music.
Tickets go on sale October 29th!
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