"Echoes and Transformations"

Chandler Center for the Arts
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

7:30pm

PROGRAM

Flute Concerto in D Major, Op. 283 (1908), Carl Reinecke

I. Allegro Moderato

II. Lento e Mesto

III. Finale 

Mikaela Hannon, soloist

Serena Fornay, Lauren Burchell

conductors

Symphony No. 104 in D Major, "London" (1795), Joseph Haydn

I. Adagio-Allegro

II. Andante

III. Menuetto and Trio: Allegro

IV. Finale: Spiritoso

INTERMISSION

Prayer for Peace (2022), Sergey Akhunov

Serena Fornay, conductor

Symphonic Metamorphosis (1943), Paul Hindemith

I. Allegro

II. Turandot

III. Andantino

IV. Marsch

Flute Concerto in D Major, Op. 283 (1908)

Carl Reinecke

This concerto is one of Reinecke’s final compositions, written in 1908 when he was 84 years old. The first movement sings with classical balance and lyrical warmth. The second movement is deeply expressive—pain-filled and agonizing. The third movement finale bursts to life with playful energy and brilliant virtuosity, allowing the soloist to shine.

We are honored to perform this concerto with soloist, Dr. Mikaela Hannon. Read more about her below!

Symphony No. 104 in D Major, "London" (1795)

Joseph Haydn

This symphony is Haydn’s last—No. 104, written in 1795 during his second visit to London. By this point, Haydn was celebrated across Europe as the “father of the symphony,” and this work feels like a grand summation of his life’s craft.

The slow introduction opens with a sense of majesty and anticipation before leaping into a bright and energetic main theme. The second movement offers grace and wit, full of subtle surprises. The third movement—a lively menuetto—has the earthy charm of a country dance. And the finale bursts forth with spirited folk rhythms, joyful and triumphant, as if Haydn is taking a final bow before an adoring audience.

Prayer for Peace (2022)

Sergey Akhunov

Sergey Akhunov’s Prayer for Peace was written in 2022, in the early days of the Russia-Ukraine war. It’s a work born out of heartbreak and compassion—a musical response to conflict, written by a composer searching for stillness in the midst of turmoil.

This version, for string orchestra, unfolds like a single extended breath. The music begins in hushed simplicity, with long, sustained lines that slowly build in intensity. Harmonies shift gradually, creating waves of tension and release—moments of anguish balanced by a quiet, fragile hope.

Akhunov was inspired by the emotional directness of works like Barber’s Adagio for Strings, but his language is distinctly his own: deeply spiritual, transparent, and human. Prayer for Peace doesn’t offer resolution so much as reflection—a space for collective mourning and the hope of renewal.

Symphonic Metamorphosis (1943)

Paul Hindemith

Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis was written in 1943, during his years in the United States. It’s based on themes by the early Romantic composer Carl Maria von Weber—but Hindemith doesn’t simply quote him. He transforms Weber’s melodies with bold harmonies, rhythmic drive, and dazzling orchestral color.

Each movement takes on its own distinct character: the opening is grand and energetic, the turnadot playful and full of sharp contrasts, the andantino rich and lyrical, and the finale a whirlwind of motion and brilliance.

The result is a vibrant celebration of imagination and craft—music that fuses German Romanticism with 20th-century energy, and showcases Hindemith’s wit, precision, and joy in orchestral sound.

MEET THE ASU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 

Conductor & Music Director

Alejandro Gómez Guillén

Assistant Conductors

Hayoung Jeong, Serena Fornay, Lauren Burchell