Adkins “Stunning” in John Adams Concerto

Madeline performed the John Adams Violin Concerto with conductor David Robertson and the Utah Symphony on February 20 + 21, 2026.

From the Utah Arts Review: “Adkins is a marvelous violinist and it’s always a treat to see her in the soloist’s spotlight. Adams’ three-movement concerto is a challenging work. The outer movements in particular demand virtuosic playing and Adkins certainly didn’t disappoint, giving a tour-de-force performance that was stunning in its pyrotechnical displays as well as showcasing her expressive side in the slow middle movement. 

“In the opening movement, the soloist, playing with only a very few pauses carries the melodic thrust of the music, over a repetitive, static accompaniment. Adkins’ engaging account emphasized the duality of the movement’s structure; she soared over the orchestra in her flights of fluid lyricism. And Robertson never let the orchestra overpower her, allowing the soloist to shine as the dominant voice.

“The same is also true for the frenetic third movement, in which the soloist once again carries the brunt of the melodic material. The movement has the character of a perpetual motion, with the soloist again playing almost non-stop. Adkins gave a powerful account, playing with restless energy and relentless drive that gave the music impetus and thrust. And Robertson offered well-defined and articulate accompaniment that supported Adkins wonderfully.

“In contrast to the other two movements, the slow middle movement has moments of great beauty and is without question one of Adams’ most inspired creations. Both the soloist and the orchestra are better integrated and create a more unified musical texture, while still allowing the soloist to be in the forefront. Adkins played with infinitely sublime lyricism, capturing the dreaminess of the music with her nuanced and delicately crafted phrasings.”