The global pandemic has resulted the cancellation of Madison Symphony Orchestra concerts as we have known them. We recognize that the 91 members of the orchestra are a core cultural asset of the greater Madison community. Our Board of Directors established a Musicians’ Relief Fund — committing $184,000 to guarantee the orchestra’s compensation for the canceled September and October 2020 subscription concerts. We are seeking your support to help us raise another $171,000 to assure the orchestra’s compensation for the canceled November and December subscription concerts, by November 5, 2020.

Learn more and contribute to the Musicians’ Relief Fund

Celebrate the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven with us. Share the excitement of music that made him one of the most beloved composers ever. We’re planning for “A New Beginning” Symphony Season to start in February with John DeMain and Gil Shaham. Answers to your questions about subscriptions, renewals, seating, and plans for responding to Overture Center and health guidelines for our upcoming season, are found on our 20/21 FAQ page.

Learn more about our 20/21 Symphony Season

Our 20/21 Organ Season begins with two FREE streamed performances recorded LIVE in Overture Hall. The first premieres on Tuesday, October 13 with Greg Zelek, and the next on Tuesday, November 17 with Paul Jacobs. You can find details about the season, and answers to questions you may have about our response to current events, on our organ webpage. Registration is OPEN NOW for both the Greg Zelek and Paul Jacobs Overture Concert Organ performances.

Learn more about our 20/21 Organ Season

Our home is yours! We’re celebrating stories artists and Music Director John DeMain are sharing during this time from their homes. Discover recent “Young Artist Series” stories featuring Flutist Holly Venkitaswaran, Violinist Emily Hauer, Violinist Julian Rhee, Cellist Grace Kim, Pianists Jessica Jiang and Sophia Jiang, and Pianist Michael Wu. MSO’s Principal Organist Greg Zelek shares a performance of Bach’s “Gigue” Fugue and stories from home. View our “Home Is Where the Art Is” collection of stories and videos and Musician Q&A stories. We’re continuously updating this page with new #HomeWithArtists stories. One of the best ways to be connected and engaged with us, and stay informed about what’s happening at your Symphony, is to sign up for updates via email!

Home Is Where the Art Is

Black Lives Matter. We stand together in support of social justice in our community. View our Madison Symphony Orchestra Statement about Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and our pledge to take action here.

Black Lives Matter

The Madison Symphony Orchestra stands with everyone in unwavering support of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe art is a powerful part of making change happen. The opera “Blue” is a poignant example. Our Music Director John DeMain was about to conduct “Blue” with the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center in March before the coronavirus crisis. Read a story we posted on June 3rd that includes a personal message from John, and access reviews of the opera, and an advance story that appeared in The Washington Post before the performance that would have taken place in March: Behind the Story of “Blue” — Black Lives Matter.

Behind the Story of “Blue” — Black Lives Matter

Madison Symphony Orchestra’s 20/21 Beethoven & Beyond season concerts and Overture Concert Organ performances are now canceled from September 2020 through January 2021, due to Overture Center’s decision to suspend events through November 30, 2020, and the requirements of Dane County’s “Forward Dane” Reopening Plan. 20/21 season performances in February, March, April and May 2021 are scheduled to take place as planned. All subscribers will be sent a refund for the value of their tickets for the September 2020 through January 2021 concerts.

Read the Press Release

In this time of uncertainty, and always, thank you for helping us stay strong and continue to provide our community with great music. Your support of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and the gift of music, is more important than ever.

The May 5, 2020 Overture Concert Organ performance, “Greg Zelek with the Diapason Brass & Timpani” has been canceled for this season. Ticketholders will be receiving refunds for their purchases and have been notified via mail and email.

The Madison Symphony Orchestra League’s September 11, 2020 Symphony Gala has been canceled for this year. The League’s event committee is already working on plans to bring the event back in 2021.

Visit the pages below to access the latest information about the status of concerts and events that will be continually updated.

20/21 Season FAQ

Summer/Fall 2020 Q&A

Current Schedule

We are grateful for your support of our organization as we navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Due to this global crisis, we have had to cancel our Dvořák Requiem concerts on April 3, 4 and 5, 2020 and our Piano Power concerts on May 1, 2, and 3, 2020. If you are a ticketholder for either or both of these performances, you have the option to donate your tickets or request a refund.

The May 5, 2020 Overture Concert Organ performance, “Greg Zelek with the Diapason Brass & Timpani” has been canceled for this season. Ticketholders will be receiving refunds for their purchases and have been notified via mail and email.

Learn more about April & May 2020 Symphony Ticket Options

Easily access information about every concert, organ performance and special event — from your phone, tablet or computer. Discover more about the impact of our Education and Community Engagement Programs. Find out how you can be a part of our MSO mission as a contributor or volunteer. Learn more about us and the stories that reveal who we are. Enjoy!