The Lark Ascending

“The Lark Ascending proved a perfect vehicle for Madeline Adkins. The work begins with a mini cadenza, which showcased Adkins’ effortless virtuosity. Throughout the piece, her interpretative gifts were wholly in the service of the musical narrative. The orchestra produced a rich, full sound over which her violin soared. The piece ends as it begins, with an extended solo and Adkins’s gradual decrescendo so held the audience’s attention that they sat spellbound for several seconds after the music had faded to silence.”