2023 MSOL Parties of Note

Welcome to MSOL’s 2023 Parties of Note, the seventeenth in our series of themed parties to benefit the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Once again, we have activities and venues to appeal to a wide variety of interests and tastes. We have repeats of some of the most popular parties from previous years as well as 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. We highly recommend that you 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 non-refundable. 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 . Thank you!

2023 Parties of Note

Celebrating Shakespeare and the First Folio — March 28
Journey back four centuries in time to Shakespeare’s England. Noted UW Shakespeare Scholar Joshua Calhoun will explore the important cultural and technological factors that gave rise to the bard’s famous plays. How was the work of Shakespeare’s stage translated to the page, and why is the publication of the 1623 First Folio so significant? Why do many consider it to be one of the most influential books ever published? You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s London and the lasting influence of the First Folio.

A Remarkable Find — April 20
A dugout canoe dating back to AD 800, made from a single piece of white oak, was recovered from Lake Mendota in Nov. 2021. In 2022, a second canoe was recovered dating to 1,000 BC. James Skibo, State Archeologist, will talk about the discovery, the canoe’s origins, the history of the Indigenous people who called this land home, the recovery, and the preservation efforts.

Meet the Mighty Klais — May 6
Enjoy a backstage tour with the MSO’s Principal Organist and Organ Curator, Greg Zelek, as he explains the inner workings of the Overture Concert Organ. The tour will begin with refreshments and include on-stage seating where Greg will show what this magnificent instrument can do.

Sights and Songs of Spring — May 16
Take a guided walk in the UW Arboretum led by UW Arboretum naturalist Sylvia Marek. Sylvia will share her extensive knowledge and point out various bird species during the approximately one-hour (one-mile) walk.

Effigy Mounds at Mendota — May 20
Take a guided tour of the effigy mounds at Mendota Mental Health Institute, followed by a reception at the historic lakeside Herfurth Cottage.

A Musical Offering from MSO Staff — May 24
The MSO staff is comprised of talented arts administrators whose work is critical to the success of the MSO. Did you know that many of them are also accomplished musicians who have beautiful voices and/ or play instruments such as violin, viola, flute, guitar and more? On this special evening, the MSO staff members will present several musical offerings featuring their individual and ensemble talents. This is our opportunity to honor and celebrate the many talents of the wonderful staff.

Historic Homes in the Mansion Hill Neighborhood — June 27
Enjoy a one-mile guided walking tour in the historic Mansion Hill Neighborhood with refreshments and socializing afterwards at a 150-year old home.

Drifting Back in Time on the Shores of Lake Monona — July 11
The shore of Lake Monona, and especially the lakeshore near this home, is dripping with history. Local historian Don Sanford, author of On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota, will transport us back in memory to the time when couples strolled down “lovers’ lane” and the strains of Isham Jones’ dance band drifted across the lake on summer evenings. A strolling violinist will serenade the guests as they enjoy refreshments.

Prairie Vistas and Musical Visions — August 13
Take a walk through the prairie at Holy Wisdom Monastery and enjoy delicacies from the monastery kitchen. The finale features music for piano and organ performed by renowned artists.

Inspirational Schubert — September 10
Trevor Stephenson, Artistic Director of Madison Bach Musicians, will discuss the life and music of the incomparable Franz Schubert. Born in 1797 into the rapidly shifting musical and political landscape of Vienna at the end of the 18th-century, Schubert composed– during his brief 31 years–with an energy and level of inspiration that is astonishing by any standards. Dr. Stephenson will perform several of Schubert’s piano pieces on fortepianos representing the sound ideals of the late-18th and early-19th centuries.

Symphony Rocks! — September 27
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 while enjoying light appetizers and beverages surrounded by nature. Being a former quarry, the terrain is uneven and rocky. Parking will require some walking.

Dazzling Dahlias — September 28
Dahlias are among the most spectacular flowers and the most difficult to grow. Join us for a garden party at a private home with more than 100 dahlias at the peak of their beauty. Learn more about these marvelous blooms and what it takes to keep them growing year after year. All of this while enjoying conversation

Adventure in Jewelry Creation — November 5
Enter into the magical world of jewelry making. Jewelry artist and instructor Jennifer Knollenberg is presenting a hands-on workshop using silver-embedded clay. You’ll be coached through making a charm for a keychain, bracelet or necklace. While the charms are in the kiln, there will be time to meet and enjoy the other guests.

Stanleys’ Gospel Carols — November 28
Join a festive dress rehearsal of the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir under the direction of Leotha and Tamera Stanley in preparation for A Madison Symphony Christmas in December. Listen to the sounds of the season, then mingle with the choir and other guests while enjoying festive treats.

Thank you to our 2023 Parties of Note Hosts/Sponsors!

Leigh & David Mollenhoff
MSO Staff
Rob Nurre
Darlene Olson
Beth & Peter Rahko
Janet Renschler
Cathy River
Robert & Nancy Rudd
Don & Barb Sanford
James Skibo
Lise Skofronik
Teressa Smith
Leotha & Tamera Stanley
Trevor & Rose Stephenson
Jurate Stewart
Susan Thomson
Judy Topitzes
Teri Venker & Larry Bechler
Carolyn White
Jessica & Jim Yehle
Nancy & Ed Young
Greg Zelek
Ledell Zellers & Simon Anderson