Journey through history with DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Echoes of the Past’ concert
On Sunday, Nov. 16, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Barbara Schubert, will feature three compositions that will take the audience on a journey through history. “Echoes of the Past” will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville.
It will start with “Overture to Nabucco” written by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. He composed this opera in 1841 to an Italian libretto by Temistocle Solera. It was first performed under its original name of “Nabucodonosor” at La Scala in Milan on March 9, 1842. “This is the opera with which my artistic career really begins,” wrote Verdi. “And though I had many difficulties to fight against, it is certain that Nabucco was born under a lucky star.” “Overture to Nabucco” captures many of the best-loved themes of the opera.
It will be followed by “Symphonie Mathis der Maler” by German composer Paul Hindemith. It was composed in 1934, while the composer was working on the opera of the same title and had already finished its major elements.
The opera was based on the life of Matthias Grünewald, a Renaissance painter known for his emotional and spiritual Isenheim altarpiece. The composer named three movements of the Symphonie after the three panels of the Isenheim altarpiece: Concert of Angels, The Entombment, and Temptation of St. Anthony.
Wilhelm Furtwängler and the Berlin Philharmonic gave it a triumphant premiere in March 1934, but a month later a performance was banned because of reports that Hindemith had made remarks critical of Hitler.
The concert will end with “Pini di Roma” (“The Pines of Rome”) by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi. This tone poem for orchestra in four movements premiered in 1924 in Rome. It became the composer’s tribute to scenes around his country’s capital where he recalls memories and visions. The setting of each movement goes back in time. Children who play under the shadow of pines, the pines next to a catacomb, a nightingale singing from a pine, the marching of the Roman legions — the audience will hear all of that while listening to this piece.
“These works remind us that great art often emerges from moments of great adversity,” Schubert said. “Each composer found light amid turmoil — turning personal and national struggle into something transcendent.”
In recognition of Veterans Day, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra will honor local veterans and active-duty service members with a special moment of reflection during the performance.
Veterans and active-duty military members are encouraged to attend through the orchestra’s Symphony of Service initiative, which provides ongoing ticket discounts and VIP seating opportunities for veterans and their families.
This concert also marks the launch of the orchestra’s 2025 Year-End Giving Campaign, “Because You Care, Music Thrives Here,” which supports music education, sensory-friendly open rehearsals, and free community concerts across DuPage County and beyond.
Explore how music gives voice to resilience, hope, and unity in times of struggle with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets are $42-$47, $38-$42 for seniors, $23 for students, 16 or older, or $12 for youth under age 16. For tickets, go to dupagesymphony.org.
On Sunday, Nov. 16, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra presents “Echoes of the Past,” at 3:30 p.m. at the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville.
Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Barbara Schubert, the performance will feature three compositions that will take the audience on a powerful journey through history and emotion.