MSOL Parties of Note

Benefitting the Education and Community Engagement Programs of the Madison Symphony Orchestra

Welcome to the twentieth in our award-winning series of themed parties to benefit the Madison Symphony Orchestra. You’ll find activities and venues for a wide variety of interests and tastes. Look for encores of popular parties, as well as the debut of exciting new parties. This year’s party lineup features well-known hosts, behind-the-scenes venues, outdoor adventures, musical entertainment, and more. And of course, with all our parties, you will enjoy fabulous food and the camaraderie of your fellow music enthusiasts. Plan your “itinerary” and make your reservations early, as space for each party is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Many sell out quickly! All registration will be exclusively online and must be accompanied by Master Card or Visa payment. You may make reservations for as many parties as you wish. A confirmation of your reservation will be sent by email. You will receive directions and parking information approximately two weeks before each party.

Registration Reminders

Registration for MSOL members begins at 10:00 AM CST, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Watch for an email with the password in early February.
Registration for Non-MSOL members begins at 10:00 AM CST, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Remember for early access to Parties of Note join the League or renew your membership.

Take Note

• Once you have finished selecting tickets for all Parties you wish to register for, you will have 20 minutes to complete the checkout process. Have your credit card information handy, as well as names and email addresses of all attendees, before you begin registering.
• If tickets to the Party you wish to register for appear to have sold out, please keep checking back! When a party is sold out, the waitlist will appear automatically in the party. If there is no waitlist, more tickets may become available as carts empty.
• If you’re on the waitlist and tickets open up, we will contact the first person on the waitlist, and moving down the list.
• Please remember that fees are nonrefundable once purchased.

The Madison Symphony Orchestra League and the Madison Symphony Orchestra are most grateful to our Party Hosts and Sponsors for their generous support and participation in this project. All proceeds benefit the MSO’s Education and Community Engagement Programs. With any questions, please email msolevents@madisonsymphony.org. Thank you!

2026 Parties of Note

Taft Violins: Madison’s Violin Experts – March 4, 2026
If you’ve ever admired the rich sound that flows from stringed instruments, this is the event for you! Join us as Nat Taft, a master craftsman with more than 20 years of experience building and repairing violins, reveals the secrets behind these wonderful instruments. You’ll discover the craftsmanship, materials and techniques that produce the beautiful tones we all love. Nat will share insights into what separates authentic masterpieces from counterfeits. And violinist (and MSOL member) Steven Ewer will share his own story with both, including a demonstration of his rare Gagliano. Light reception to follow.

Building Overture Center for the Arts – April 11, 2026
You’ve been there for concerts, but how much do you know about the construction and inner workings of Overture Center for the Arts? Join Findorff President and CEO, Jim Yehle, on an informative and fun behind-the-scenes tour of this beautiful building followed by a reception in the Audubon Room. This tour will include lots of walking and stairs.

Weaving Workshop with Lauren Paul at the Textile Arts Center – April 19, 2026
The Textile Arts Center of Madison (TAC) is a hub for fiber arts, offering classes and workshops, exhibitions and events, and access to supplies for makers and enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Here’s your chance for a special introduction! Join us at this special Party of Note including a private tour of TAC with Executive Director Elizabeth Tucker, and a hands-on weaving workshop with teaching artist Lauren Paul. Following the tour, you’ll experiment with form, color and material while learning to weave on a handheld Hello Loom. The possibilities of what you can make are endless! And, you’ll be able to take the loom and materials home with you to continue weaving. No experience necessary. Come get creative with us!

Finding your Family History at the Wisconsin Historical Society – May 11, 2026
Ready to discover your roots? Learn the basics of exploring your family history with Rebecca Hopman, Genealogy Services Librarian, then join staff for a tour of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s building and nationally recognized genealogical collections. See highlights from the WHS Library and Archives collections, learn about the history of the building, and connect with expert staff over light refreshments after the tour.

Chocolate and Chamber Music – May 17, 2026
Learn how to make those beautiful and delicious artisanal chocolates showcased in exclusive candy shops. Chocolatier Abigail Ochberg will guide you through the process of choosing fillings and creating your own box of chocolate-y confections to share (or not!) with family and friends. While you’re making chocolates in the beautiful commercial kitchen space at WYSO, you’ll also enjoy light refreshments while live chamber music plays in the background.

Indian Mound Guided Walk on Lake Mendota’s North Shore – June 15, 2026
Beginning about 800 B.C. the first inhabitants of the Teejop Four Lakes region (now Dane County) built effigies (animal/spirit-shaped) and other mounds on the high grounds overlooking the lakes. While most mounds have been destroyed by development, experienced docent and local historian Teri Venker will lead us on a walk to see some of those remaining. You will learn the fascinating background of the people who lived, traded, hunted and fished the shores of Lake Mendota going back 12,000 years and come away with a deep appreciation for these monuments. Reception to follow at a nearby home.

The Secret Garden – June 23, 2026
Gardeners won’t want to miss seeing this hidden gem tucked away in downtown Madison. Once an overgrown lot behind a residential building, it was transformed into an urban paradise. Hear from our hosts about the plantings in their secret garden and then enjoy light refreshments at their home overlooking the Capitol.

Prairie Tour at Holy Wisdom Monastery – June 30, 2026
Experience the beautiful blooming prairies, oak woodlands and savannas being actively managed and cared for by Holy Wisdom staff and dedicated volunteers. An experienced ecologist will lead a leisurely hike on the trail system where you’ll learn more about ecological restoration and the mission at the Monastery. Afterwards, enjoy refreshments highlighting garden produce grown on site. 

Musical Spirits at Forest Hill Cemetery – July 11, 2026
Take a deep dive into Madison musical history in the most unlikeliest of places! With our guides Madison historian Mark Gajewski and MSO historian Michael Allsen we will visit the gravesites of MSO conductors, musicians, composers and many more who have created and supported Madison’s musical community. You’ll come away from this tour with a renewed awareness of the creative people who have called Madison home. Reception follows at a nearby location.

Cruising through History on Lake Monona – July 14, 2026
If the shores of Lake Monona could talk, what a story they would tell! Hear about the cast of interesting denizens who made their mark on Madison’s history when you step aboard the Pontoon Porch for a trip around the lake. The cruise into the past will be narrated by Madison historian Don Sanford, author of On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota.

Wisconsin Public Radio, into the Next Century – August 4, 2026
Public media was invented in Wisconsin. In 1914, a UW-Madison physics professor and his students launched experimental radio station 9XM. More than 100 years later, WPR reaches listeners across the state through a 39-station network broadcasting WPR News and WPR Music. Join Director of Radio Sarah Ashworth for a behind-the-scenes look at WPR’s past, present and future. Tour the studios, Music Library, and Operations Center where 24/365 programming is delivered. Learn about how two distinct networks– one for news and one for music –have been created, and discover how WPR is being reimagined for the future.

A Night in San Sebastián: Pintxos Cooking Class at DelecTable – August 26, 2026
Dive into the lively, social world of Spanish bar culture with this hands-on cooking class.  Roll up your sleeves and discover the secrets behind crafting authentic pintxos—the heart and soul of Basque cuisine.  DelecTable’s expert chefs will guide us through essential techniques for layering flavors, creating beautiful small plates and transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary bites that we’ll then get to savor.  Join this culinary journey into the vibrant streets of northern Spain!

Bringing the Tropics to the Midwest: The Royal Thai Pavilion from Bangkok to Madison – September 9, 2026
Hear how the Pavilion came to be at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, how it was built, and how it was recently restored. Thai Garden Horticulturist Dan Schuknecht will talk about the magnificent structure, as well as the tropical style garden that surrounds it. The talk will be followed by a walk to the Thai garden to see it up close.

Unearthing the Past: An Evening with Ancient Canoes – September 17, 2026
Step back in time with an fascinating look at the dugout canoes recovered from Lake Mendota – dating hundreds to thousands of years old. Amy Rosebrough, State Archaeologist, will share the story of the canoes discovery, origins and what they reveal about the Indigenous people who first called this land home. We’ll gather at the State Archive Preservation Facility, where tribal members and society staff have been cleaning and preserving these extraordinary artifacts—offering a rare, up-close experience you won’t want to miss.  After the presentation, we will enjoy a reception at the nearby Elk’s Club.

Music for the Soul at Overture Center – October 22, 2026
Discover the transformative power of original music with Overture Center’s innovative community songwriting programs. Through The Lullaby Project, new and expectant parents collaborate with local singer-songwriters to create and record personal lullabies, while My Melody engages individuals in the early stages of dementia and their care partners in songwriting. Both programs foster creativity, connection, reflection and meaningful shared experiences. Enjoy a late afternoon of moving music and stories with Overture teaching artists performing, followed by a catered reception.

Jingle & Mingle – December 1, 2026
Kick off the holidays with an unforgettable experience! The electric energy of the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, led by Leotha and Tamera Stanley, will have you swinging, swaying and clapping along to their jubilant celebration of the Christmas season. You know all the songs, but you’ve never heard them like this. This will be the Choir’s final dress rehearsal before performing onstage with the MSO for the annual Christmas Concert. After the rehearsal, mingle with the Choir members and musicians and enjoy holiday treats. Great music, great food and even better company – make this part of your annual holiday tradition!

Thank you to our 2026 Parties of Note Hosts/Sponsors!

Overture Center for the Arts
Susan Pierce Jacobsen
Barb Peterman
Pontoon Porch/Joe Shulla
Beth & Peter Rahko
Janet Renschler
Janet Rich
Kathryn Richardson
Fred & Nancy Risser
Amy Rosebrough
Don & Barb Sanford
Dan Schuknecht
Kay Schwichtenberg
Karen Smith
Teressa Smith
Leotha & Tamera Stanley
Taft Violins
Textile Arts Center of Madison
Judy & Nick Topitzes
Susan Trier
Mary Lou Tyne
Teri Venker
Jane and Glenn Watts
Carolyn White
Wisconsin Historical Society,
Division of Library, Archives and
Museum Collections
Jessica & Jim Yehle
Ledell Zellers & Simon Anderson

Thank you to our 2026 Parties of Note Committee!

Linda Lovejoy
Abigail Ochberg
Susan Pierce Jacobsen
Beth Rahko
Teressa Smith
Judy Topitzes
Carolyn White
Jessica Yehle
Nancy Young