2024 MSOL Parties of Note

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

Welcome to the eighteenth in our 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 events 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 Tips and Reminders

• 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 have sold out, please keep checking back! It’s possible that tickets may be released from someone else’s cart.
• If you wish to join the waitlist for a Party, you will be able to do so through the website this year. Regardless of how many tickets you are interested in, please enter one email address onto the waitlist. We will contact you whenever any spots open up (beginning with the first person on the waitlist, and moving down). At the time that we contact you, we will determine how many tickets are available and how many you are interested in.
• Please be reminded that all Parties are nonrefundable. Thank you!

Parties will follow all County and State health and safety measures in place, or recommended, at the time of each party, such as wearing a face mask and social distancing.

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!

MSOL membership includes early access to registration, starting at 10:00 AM CST, March 12, 2024.  MSOL members will receive an email with the password in early March.
Reservations for non-MSOL members begins at 10:00 AM CST, March 19, 2024.

2024 Parties of Note

Meet the Mighty Klais – April 13, 2024
A perennial favorite returns! The MSO’s Overture Concert Organ is a striking feature of Overture Hall. It is the largest moveable object of any theater in the world, with over 4,000 pipes. Enjoy a backstage tour with the MSO’s Principal Organist and Organ Curator, Greg Zelek, as he explains the inner workings of the organ. The tour will include on-stage seating where Greg will show what this magnificent instrument can do. Refreshments will be served in the beautiful Audubon Room prior to the tour and performance.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Glass Lab – April 20, 2024
The UW-Madison Glass Lab has a storied history as the first collegiate glass program in the nation. Founded in the 1960s by Professor Harvey Littleton, notable alumni include Dale Chihuly. Spend the afternoon observing the creativity and artistry as current students demonstrate glass blowing. We will also see the fascinating work of students in the neon lab creating tubes used in local signage. After the tour and demonstration, refreshments will be served.

An Artistic Journey – May 14, 2024
Join us for a personal visit to a local artist’s home. Karen Watson-Newlin will describe her personal journey as an artist that has led to her current career in acrylic painting. Her studio space will be open and a discussion of her artistic process and viewing of her works will be included. Karen and Rob will also share their original art collection from other artists on display throughout their home. Art surrounds their home and their lives. (Please note that this tour is NOT handicapped accessible; the studio is located on a lower level in the home and stairs are required.)

Effigy Mounds at Mendota Mental Health Institute – May 25, 2024
Approximately 1,000 years ago, Indigenous Peoples built effigy mounds on the land that is now Dane County. Celebrate Wisconsin Archeology Month as we join George W. Christiansen III and Rob Nurre of the Wisconsin Archeological Society for a guided tour of the mounds at Mendota Mental Health Institute. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of these monuments and the first inhabitants of the Four Lakes region. Reception follows at the historic lakeside Herfurth Cottage. (This tour will be conducted rain or shine; bring an umbrella if needed.)

The Barton Is Not Silent! – June 1, 2024
Learn more about the newly restored 1928 Grand Barton Organ at Overture Center for the Art’s Capitol Theater. Often described as “unit orchestras,” theater organs were built to mimic the orchestral sounds needed for the silent films of the 1920s. This instrument, with more than 1,000 pipes, bells, whistles, and percussion, is one of a handful still in its original home. We will attend a behind-the-scenes presentation with a select invited group. Then we will enjoy reserved seats for the Duck Soup Cinema pre-movie organ concert. Overture’s programming includes vaudeville acts and door prize drawings before viewing the silent movie gems “Queens of Destruction,” a variety of features from 1911-1912, and “Rowdy Ann,” a western comedy from 1919.

Behind the Scenes at Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras – June 4, 2024
Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras has been in existence for 50 years, providing an outstanding musical experience for over 5,000 students. Now, WYSO has moved into its new building on East Washington Avenue with a stunning design inspired by the curve of a cello. Diane Ballweg will lead a tour of the building including the state- of-the art rehearsal spaces, teaching rooms, and a music library. After the tour, we will enjoy refreshments while listening to one of WYSO’s talented student groups perform.

Historic Homes in the University Heights Neighborhood – June 25, 2024
Enjoy the beauty of Madison’s University Heights Historic District when Teri Venker, a docent with the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation, leads us on a walking tour of the history and architecture of this hilltop neighborhood adjacent to the UW campus. You’ll learn about the architects who designed these unique homes, including Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, and the fascinating leaders and academics who had them built. A casual reception follows at a home in University Heights. Rain date: June 27, 2024

Drifting Through Time on Lake Monona’s Shores – July 9, 2024
Years ago, couples slipped away from Madison to stroll “Lover’s Lane” on the moonlit shores of Lake Monona. Local historian Don Sanford, author of On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota, will once again share some of Lake Monona’s rich and colorful history. A strolling violinist will serenade the guests as they enjoy refreshments at a beautiful lakeside home. Rain date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Classic Cars and Flourishing Flowers at Haney’s Tavern – July 31, 2024
Join us for a beautiful morning in the ‘Gateway to the Driftless Region’ at the historic Haney’s Tavern with hosts Jill and John Riley and family. Enjoy a walking tour of this well-known 1838 stagecoach stop including an immaculate barn featuring an incredible classic car collection and Haney’s Tavern Flowers, a cutting flower farm business which will be in full bloom. After exploring the property, light refreshments and beverages will be served in a lovingly restored historic barn. Rain date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

A Remarkable Find – August 6, 2024
A dugout canoe dating back to AD 800, made from a white oak log, was recovered from Lake Mendota in November 2021. A year later, a second canoe dating to 1,000 BC was recovered. Amy Rosebrough, state archeologist, will talk about the discovery and preservation of these canoes and what they tell us about the land and the Indigenous people who lived here thousands of years ago. We meet at the State Archive Preservation facility where tribal members and society staff are preserving the canoes; reception to follow at a nearby private lakeside home.

Symphony Rocks – September 25, 2024
Tucked away in the heart of Madison is a former quarry converted into a backyard oasis. Host Tim Metcalfe will share the history of the Du Rose quarry and his journey in transforming it into this lovely sanctuary. Enjoy rock music played on classical instruments by the Pecatonica Quartet, accompanied by singer Lo Marie, while you savor delicious appetizers and beverages. Note that this is a former quarry; the terrain is uneven and rocky. Additionally, parking will require some walking. Rain date: October 7, 2024.

A Soirée of Song – November 3, 2024
One of our most popular parties is back! Vocalist Susan Lee will perform jazz and Broadway favorites from Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, the Gershwin Brothers, Rogers and Hammerstein, and more. This talented singer will take guests back to the era of Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald. Sit back and sip a Boulevardier while you enjoy a late Sunday afternoon of fabulous musical entertainment in a beautiful lakeside home.

The Stanleys’ Gospel Carols – December 3, 2024
Join a festive dress rehearsal of the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir under the direction of Leotha and Tamera Stanley in preparation for the December 2024 MSO Holiday Concert. Listen to the sounds of the season, then mingle with the choir and other guests while enjoying festive treats. A perfect way to start your holiday season!

Cookie Decorating Like a Pro – December 7, 2024
Come join us for a fun afternoon learning decorating techniques that will make you shine and will taste amazing. Impress your friends and loved ones with your creations… and leave us with the mess! We will provide each guest with a dozen pre-baked cookies to decorate and take home, as well as all supplies and instructions. A great multi-generational activity!

Thank you to our 2024 Parties of Note Hosts/Sponsors!

David & Leigh Mollenhoff
Rob Nurre
Peter & Leslie Overton
Lucinda Prue
Beth & Peter Rahko
Michael & Claire Ann Richman
Jill & John Riley
Cathy River
Amy Rosebrough
Don & Barb Sanford
Carole Schaeffer
Deb & Steve Schroeder
Kay Schwichtenberg & Herman Baumann
Teressa Smith
Tom Sobota
Leotha & Tamera Stanley
Jerry & Vicki Swedish
Susan Thomson
Judy Topitzes
Teri Venker & Larry Bechler
Karen Watson-Newlin &
Rob Newlin
Carolyn White
Jessica & Jim Yehle
Nancy & Ed Young
Greg Zelek