DuPage Symphony presents “Reflections of the Rus’” on February 11

This performance will feature flutist Adam Sadberry at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 11 at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville.

Photo: Flutist Adam Sadberry. Photo: courtesy of Adam Sadberry

“It is, first of all, a feast of music. There is something Rubensian in the splendor of his life-enjoying melody and the luxury of orchestral soundings. Not only splendor, but also abundance and generosity: clusters of melody and ornaments! You feel like tasting prodigally free music, pleased with its abundance. Khachaturian’s art calls: ‘Let it be light and let it be joy!’” wrote musical critic Boris Asafyev about Aram Khachaturian, famous Armenian composer of the 20th century.

DuPage Symphony Orchestra is happy to introduce a concert program featuring the immortal music of Eastern European composers whose names are well known and respected. The temperamental music of Aram Khachaturian and deep and emotional music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will carry you in an emotional journey called “Reflections of the Rus’” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 11 at Wentz Concert Hall located at 171 East Chicago Avenue in Naperville.

This performance will feature the exceptional artistry of flutist Adam Sadberry, a nominee for the Wall Street Journal's coveted "23 for ‘23 Artists to Watch" list and rising star of the classical music world.

The audience will have a chance to hear Tchaikovsky’s seldom heard jewel of the classical repertoire, Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29. It includes irresistible dance rhythms and melodies drawn from traditional Polish dances, and therefore it’s called “Polish.” This symphony is his only finished symphony in a major key, and it is his only symphony in five movements. It was composed during the summer of 1875 and first performed in November of the same year in Moscow.

Although this symphony’s first movement, Introduzione e Allegro, has a relatively dark opening, it evolves into a bright dance-like music that is full of energy and light. The second movement, Alla tedesca, sounds balletic and elegant, while the third movement, Andante, is romantic and thoughtful. Scherzo, the fourth movement, is full of musical swirls and playful, charming elements. Finale, the fifth movement, opens with a heroic theme. The movement has polonaise-like music and ends in a life-affirming and enthusiastic manner.

Khachaturian's fiery Flute Concerto, a thrilling work originally composed for violin, will impress the audience. It is full of highly flavored melodies inspired by Armenian folk music. The original Violin Concerto was composed in 1940. In 1968, French flute virtuoso Jean-Pierre Rampal asked Khachaturian for a flute concerto, but Khachaturian offered him to make a transcription of the Violin Concerto adapting it for the flute and making it playable on it. Rampal added new cadenzas to the beautiful texture, irresistible dance melodies and rhythms of the original composition, and the result was amazing.

Photo: Adam Sadberry. Photo by: courtesy of Adam Sadberry

Only a highly professional flutist can perform the flute solo in Khachaturian’s Flute Concerto, but nothing is impossible for flutist and educator Adam W. Sadberry. Adam is a winner of Concert Artists Guild’s 2021 Victor Elmaleh Competition. This 27 years old musician from Montgomery, TX is currently based in Saint Paul, MN. He is working towards an Alexander Technique teaching certificate as a Judith Leibowitz Scholar at the Minnesota Center for The Alexander Technique, and he holds a Bachelor of Music and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music.

Sadberry is paving a distinctive career with his citizenry, creativity, and vibrancy both on and off stage. His engagements include appearances with The Phillips Collection, Chamber Music Detroit, Four Seasons Arts, Community Concerts at 2nd, and a residency at the Eastman School of Music. At Merkin Hall in 2023, Adam gave the world premiere of _NOT RUNNING. (The Life of L. Alex Wilson), a piece by Dameun Strange that was co-commissioned for him by the BMI Foundation and Concert Artists Guild. The piece is about L. Alex Wilson, an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement and Adam’s late grandfather. Along with his solo and educational work, Adam has a strong foundation in orchestral playing. He is the principal flutist of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, CA.

Adam’s appearance in the concert performing the flute solo in Khachaturian’s Flute Concerto is very important for the DuPage Symphony Orchestra and for its audience. Particularly, because this composition showcases the beauty, expression, and lyrical nature of the flute, which can be performed only by a world-class flutist. Adam will find the best way to perform the solo of this masterpiece.

“I'd also like to say how much I am looking forward to this concert, as a flutist,” noted the DuPage Symphony Orchestra General Manager Amber Broderick. “The Khachaturian [Flute Concerto] is known as one of the most challenging pieces in the flute repertoire, precisely because it was composed for another instrument. Finding places to breathe, projecting low notes over a full orchestra, long sustained phrases... all things that a violinist can do very easily. It's a true test, and only flutists with incredible tone, control, and stamina attempt this work. It's not to be missed, especially if you play a wind instrument!”

In the 20th century, Khachaturian brought Armenian music to the global stage for the first time ever, and now, on February 11, 2024, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra will bring it to the Chicago suburbs!  

Don’t miss your chance to hear these high-energy masterpieces by Tchaikovsky and Khachaturian. They feature adventurous harmonies and brilliant melodies, including traditional Polish and Armenian tunes, and they will help you once again appreciate a beautiful synthesis of folk and classical music.

Tickets for "Reflections of the Rus" may be purchased online at www.dupagesymphony.org or through the DSO’s Box Office at 630-778-1003 (Tues-Fri, 10am-3pm). Tickets may also be purchased through North Central College’s Box Office at https://northcentral.vbotickets.com/events.  

Natalia Dagenhart

02/01/24