“Do not believe those who try to persuade you that composition is but a cold exercise of the intellect. The only music capable of moving and touching us is that which springs from the depths of a soul’s soul. composer when stirred by inspiration, “said Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The DuPage Symphony Orchestra has prepared a magnificent concert for its audience featuring music inspired by various sources of inspiration. This concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 20 at the Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville.

This touching concert program, titled “Inspirations”, will demonstrate where various composers drew their inspiration and how they transformed their emotions and feelings into beautiful musical sounds and unforgettable musical thoughts.

Undoubtedly, this concert program would not have been possible without the inspiration which never ceases to pulsate from the musical director and conductor of DSO, Barbara Schubert, who has conducted the orchestra in this role since 1986. Her enthusiasm is contagious and its incontestable control. The musicians of the DSO not only reflect the musical ideas and thoughts of the composers as they perform, but also demonstrate the conductor’s approach to the music being played.

The concert will feature a composition titled New England Triptych written by 20th century American composer William Schuman. Schuman was a great contributor to American culture and was considered “a longtime champion of ‘American’ musical sound and style. He won a Special Pulitzer Prize in 1985, citing “over half a century of contribution to American music as a composer and educational leader.” He was also awarded the National Medal of the Arts in 1987.

Schuman wrote New England Triptych in 1956. He was stimulated by the music of 18th century composer William Billings and demonstrated the atmosphere of the revolutionary period. Schuman’s homage to this first American choral composer captures “the spirit of muscular robustness, deep religiosity and patriotic fervor that we associate with the revolutionary period”.

Another masterpiece that the DuPage Symphony Orchestra will perform this evening will be Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet: A Fantastic Overture. This orchestral work is based on Shakespeare’s play of the same name. Like many other composers, Tchaikovsky was deeply inspired by Shakespeare and also wrote other works based on his plays. In his plays, Shakespeare’s main characters often refer to music with singers and dancers also performing on stage. Even the words spoken by the bard flow like music. Of course, Tchaikovsky was moved to be inspired by it. We also know that Tchaikovsky dedicated his Romeo and Juliet: A Fantastic Overture to Mily Balakirev, who inspired and encouraged Tchaikovsky to write it.

The concert will also feature the colorful Symphony No. 2, the so-called Romantic, written in 1930 by American composer Howard Hanson, born to Swedish immigrants. Hanson was intrigued by his Scandinavian heritage, but he was also inspired by the Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, with whom Hanson studied at the Academy of Santa Cecilia in Rome. However, the composer himself cited Grieg and Sibelius as his most powerful influences.

Hanson’s Symphony No. 2 has been hailed as “the epitome of the twentieth century symphony… written by an American”. Hanson himself described this cyclical three-movement work as “young in spirit, lyrical and romantic in temper, and simple and straightforward in expression.” This symphony has become an overwhelming and popular success, and the DuPage Symphony Orchestra is happy to share the beauty of this masterpiece with its audiences.

Why do we have to attend this concert? As Tchaikovsky said, “Music is indeed the most beautiful of all Heaven’s gifts to humanity wandering in darkness. Only it calms, enlightens and soothes our souls. Refuge and comforter, for whose sake life is worth living. “

It is worth living if we are inspired and comforted by classical music. Her strength, charm and beauty will save this world, while keeping our hearts and souls young, happy and motivated. The DuPage Symphony Orchestra prepared for us these unforgettable masterpieces with love and inspiration, and our job now is to embrace them with love.

Good seats are still available for “Inspirations” on Saturday November 20 at 7:30 pm. Visit the DSO website https: ///www.dupagesymphony.org/tickets-events and check out all the details on the 2021-22 concert season. Single tickets are on sale now: https: //northcentral.vbotickets.com/event/dupage_symphony_orchestra_inspirations/61865 Limited subscriptions are still available by calling the DSO office at (630) 778-1003. You can also purchase tickets by calling (630) 637-SHOW.

Nathalie Dagenhart

11/17/21