2023–2024 Symphony Season

The unveiling of a new season is always a special time for me, and it being my 30th anniversary as music director of our incredible orchestra makes it all the more special. To have a chance to watch and guide the orchestra over these years into the amazing ensemble it has become has brought me great joy.

As an American born musician, educated in the US and whose career has been predominantly in this country, I wanted to begin the season with an all-American program. There are, of course, favorite pieces of mine scattered throughout the season like Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Schumann’s Piano Concerto, Mahler’s fifth symphony, and the Verdi Requiem, alongside gems including Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, Revueltas’ The Night of the Maya, and Jennifer Higdon’s Loco. I’m also very pleased to present conductor Kyle Knox in his Madison Symphony subscription concert debut. As always, we have a stunning array of guest artists including the return of Naha Greenholtz, Jonathan Biss, Joyce Yang, and Steven Isserlis, as well as debuts by Terrence Wilson and Rachid Bernal. With Cinco de Mayo falling on the same weekend as our final subscription concerts, I was inspired to do a concert featuring Spanish and Mexican composers and artists, including the first time a mariachi group, Mariachi Los Camperos, has appeared with our orchestra. Our soloists for Christmas feature tenor Limmie Pulliam and the gorgeous voice of soprano Evelyn Saavedra from Madison Opera’s Opera in the Park.

As you look through the brochure you will find some innovative approaches to our subscription concerts reaching out to our diverse community, welcoming everyone to experience great music live in the acoustical splendor of Overture Hall. And you even get to choose one of the main pieces we will perform during the season. So please come celebrate this 30-year milestone with me throughout the year, either as a subscriber or a single ticket buyer, and you’ll be part of the excitement one feels with the orchestra that just continues to grow with every concert you attend.

Personally, I want to thank you for your support for me as well as the orchestra over the years. Your energy as an audience absolutely inspires our performances and helps us celebrate together the power and sustenance that great music brings to each and every one of us.