A highlight of the 25/26 season is the commissioning and world premiere performances of an original composition for orchestra and combined choirs. The MSO has commissioned composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer to create a major work in honor of the MSO’s 100th Anniversary. Music Director John DeMain is working with them throughout the creative process. Under the baton of Maestro DeMain, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, along with the Madison Symphony Chorus, Mount Zion Gospel Choir, Madison Youth Choirs, and world-famous soprano Ailyn Pérez, will give the world premiere performances of EARTH: A Choral Symphony, at our final symphony subscription concerts on May 1, 2 and 3, 2026. This magnificent new work will celebrate our beautiful planet and humanity’s place on it. It is inspired by the past, present, and future of the Earth and will explore themes of truth and possibility. The MSO is seeking additional donor support to help underwrite the commissioning costs, as well as sponsorships for the world premiere performances.

CENTENNIAL OPENING CELEBRATION

Before the subscription season kicks off in October, we invite you to join us for two very special events on September 19 and 20, 2025. “Pure Joy Opening Night: Magical Tchaikovsky & Maestro’s Dinner” will include a classical concert featuring the Madison Symphony Orchestra and guest pianist Olga Kern, conducted by John DeMain, at 6:00 p.m. in Overture Hall, followed by a cocktail reception and formal dinner in the Overture Hall Lobby on Friday, September 19. Combo tickets for the concert and dinner are $300 per person. Tickets for the concert only are $30–$100. Sponsorship packages, which include the concert, dinner, and recognition, are also available.*

*25/26 symphony season subscribers will have the opportunity to add tickets for these two Centennial Celebration concerts and events to their subscription orders in March or early April, before these events go on sale to the public (subject to availability, in July). As capacity is limited for these events, sponsors who commit before subscriptions go on sale will receive early access. To learn about sponsorship opportunities for the Centennial Celebration events, contact Casey Oelkers, Director of Development, (608) 260-8680 x228.

CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL WEEKEND

Following the conclusion of our 25/26 subscription season, join us for “A Community Gift and Dream – for the Love of Music,” June 13-14, 2026 This free, two-day open house celebration will feature MSO musicians and diverse community groups performing throughout Overture Center for the Arts each day. Main stage performances include an Overture Concert Organ performance on Saturday, June 13, and a Madison Symphony Orchestra concert on Sunday, June 14, presenting some of the “greatest hits” of classical music. The Sunday concert features a special appearance by Julian Rhee, winner of the 2017 Bolz Young Artist Competition/The Final Forte, who is now known as one of the top violinists in the world. This will be the last concert Maestro John DeMain conducts as our music director. All performers will be paid for their services, and all performances will be presented free-of-charge to the public — a gift to the city of Madison and surrounding areas for their support of the MSO now and into the future.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

• Please tell everyone you know about the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s 100th Anniversary plans!

• Share your enthusiasm about the special concerts and events.

• Attend and bring friends!

• Become a sponsor or host a group at one of our concerts or events.

• With general questions about the MSO’s 100th Anniversary plans, contact the 100th Anniversary Steering Committee Co-Chairs, Elaine Mischler elaine.mischler@gmail.com and Derrick Smith derricklsmith55@gmail.com

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact MSO Director of Development Casey Oelkers coelkers@madisonsymphony.org
To inquire about promotional opportunities, contact MSO Director of Marketing Peter Rodgers at prodgers@madisonsymphony.org