After more than a year without performing, it’s no surprise that the DuPage Symphony Orchestra dedicated this season to the “unique power of music to comfort and inspire.”
In its final performances of the season April 30 and May 1 at the Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra will join with the Naperville Chorus to create a concert worthy of celebration.
“As we conclude the season — themed “Reflect and Celebrate” — we reach the time for celebration with a gala double concert,” said Teresa Muir, secretary of the orchestra’s board of directors. “Music Directors Barbara Schubert (of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra) and Jeordano Martinez (of the Naperville Chorus) join the forces of these two outstanding ensembles to present an exciting program featuring 20th-century American composers.”
The show, titled Celebrations, will be divided into two parts, with the first half featuring “Folk Song Symphony (Symphony No. 4),” written in 1940 by Roy Harris. The seven-movement work for orchestra and chorus closes with movements based on the Civil War songs “The Girl I Left Behind” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” The earlier movements are also inspired by American history, influenced by an eclectic mix of cowboy songs, ballads, spirituals and marches.
In the second half of the show, the Naperville Chorus will present a selection of spirituals by African-American composer William Dawson. Dawson has a strong Chicago connection, having studied at the Chicago Musical College and played trombone with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
“His music has been described as lush and full of texture,” Muir said.
The program will conclude with composer Aaron Copland’s suite, “The Tender Land,” from his only full-length opera. It’s also filled with American-influenced themes, including a love duet and a square dance.
“It has a beautiful song called ‘The Promise of Living,'” Muir said. “There’s another Chicago connection here as its world premiere was in 1958 by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
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“The selections are most likely less known to the musicians and audience,” Muir said. “I’ve been a musician since grade school and attend quite a few concerts annually, but every piece on the program is new to me. I’m excited to hear so many new pieces by American composers.”
The Naperville Chorus, founded in 1976 and closely associated with North Central College, will feature more than 100 vocal performers for this show.
“Both groups are by themselves gems of the western suburbs,” Muir said. “Having them combine forces is going to produce a concert that shouldn’t be missed.”
Those wishing to find out more about the pieces can attend a preshow lecture by Duff Harris at 6:45 p.m., with the concert following at 7:30 p.m. April 30. “He’s one of our most popular lecturers and will share insights into the works on the program,” Muir said.
DuPage Symphony Orchestra Celebrations Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. April 30 and 3 p.m. May 1
Where: Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Tickets: $15-$43
Information: 630-637-7469; dupagesymphony.org
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.