DuPage Symphony Orchestra presents Echoes of the Past on November 16 in Naperville

The orchestra will celebrate the true resilience and longevity of art and humanity at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville.

DuPage Symphony Orchestra. Courtesy of Natalia Dagenhart

“My scars remind me that I did indeed survive my deepest wounds... They remind me that the damage life has inflicted on me has, in many places, left me stronger and more resilient. What hurt me in the past has actually made me better equipped to face the present,” said inspirational writer Steve Goodier. DuPage Symphony Orchestra prepared a concert program that demonstrates resilience, hope, and unity in times of struggle.

In anticipation of Veterans Day, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra invites its audience to attend a concert program Echoes of the Past, where music that was written many years ago reminds us of our inner strength during difficult times. Echoes of the Past will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 16 at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville.

Under the baton of Music Director and Conductor Barbara Schubert, the performance will feature three powerful compositions that will take the audience on a powerful journey through history and emotion.

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. Pines of Rome, a 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,” said Barbara Schubert, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor. “Each composer found light amid turmoil—turning personal and national struggle into something transcendent.”

It’s important to note that in recognition of Veterans Day weekend, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra will also 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. For tickets, please go to www.dupagesymphony.org.

Natalia Dagenhart