Our final Overture Concert Organ Series concert of the 2023-24 season featured Greg Zelek performing with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Wind Ensemble. The concert featured solo works from Greg like Louis Vierne’s Carillon de Westminster, Op. 54, No. 6 and Dudley Buck’s Concert Variations on “The Star-Spangled Banner. Collaborative works for organ and wind ensemble were also featured with Wagner’s Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral, Michael Daugherty’s Bells for Stokowski, and more! We were also lucky to have soprano saxophone soloist Andrew MacRossie join Greg on Ennio Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe. Read what our audience had to say and check out some photos from the rehearsal!
Hear what the audience had to say…
“Greg Zelek has a gift for collaborating with other musicians that is always engaging.”
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“It was most exciting to experience the full ensemble of musicians on stage complimenting the beautiful sounds of the pipe organ. The memorable experience for the young musicians on stage was also evident. Scott Teeple’s professionalism along with Greg Zelek’s by now legendary stage presence made a perfect ending to a superb organ season.”
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“Greg Zelek’s fabulous talent and wonderful stage presence! It is amazing to watch him play such an incredible instrument! It was a most enjoyable evening.”
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“I liked the variety in the music performed. I especially liked the Strauss piece, and the beautiful duet on Gabriel’s Oboe. It was also great having the UW Wind Ensemble performing.”
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“Greg’s energy, intellect, and personality always add to the joy of being at the concert – along with his expertise on the organ of course!”
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“Two pieces – Wagner’s Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral from Lohengrin and Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe. The alto saxophonist, Mr. MacRossie, was outstanding. I have never been a fan of any kind of saxophone but his sound was so beautiful that now I see a place for saxophones in concerts. I invited out-of-town friends to this concert and they too loved the saxophone and organ piece.”
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“We have learned that Greg’s organ concerts are not to be missed. We are lucky to have him in Madison.”
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