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22/23 Overture Concert
Organ Season
Greg Zelek, Organ & Thomas Mesa, Cello
Venue: Overture Hall
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets
All single tickets $25!*
on sale NOW through the Overture Center Box Office, 201 State Street
Please note: Additional Overture Center fees apply to phone and online orders (no fee for in-person orders)
After our first performance together back in 2019 and a solo performance of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto with the MSO, Thomas Mesa returns as we collaborate once again in a program of organ and cello music. Mr. Mesa and I will both perform works by women composers, such as Nadia Boulanger’s gorgeous Trois Pièces, as well as a solo cello work written for him by Spanish composer Andrea Casarrubios. We will close this exciting evening with a commissioned work written for the two of us, Daniel Ficarri’s Sonata in C minor for Organ and Cello, which was inspired by our first performance at Overture Hall. You won’t want to miss the world premiere of this incredible piece! – Greg Zelek
Program
Jules Massenet, Méditation from Thaïs
J.S. Bach, Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007
J.S. Bach, Fugue in D Major, BWV 532
Nadia Boulanger, Trois Pièces
Alfred Lefébure-Wély, Boléro de Concert, Op. 166
Andrea Casarrubios, Seven
Daniel Ficarri, Sonata for Organ and Cello (world premiere)
The audience enjoyed so much Mesa’s performance of the first movement that they felt compelled to applaud directly afterward, unable to contain their excitement until the final movement.
This was our (and my 17-year-old daughter’s) first organ concert — simply put, AMAZING!!! The music was phenomenal. The pieces were intriguing and engaging. Greg’s on-stage presence is “so right” — a perfect balance of professionalism and endearing us to him, and the organ, and the featured pieces . . . and the concert was just the right length — leaving us wanting more and left me looking forward to when can I go again?!
Meet the Performers
Greg Zelek, Organ
Thomas Mesa, Cello
…Tuesday’s Overture Concert Organ performance featuring organist Greg Zelek and cellist Thomas Mesa, two Juilliard buddies who put on the most enjoyable concert I have ever encountered.
I love Greg’s ability to showcase the different tonal colors of the organ — both the grand sounds and the lush, colorful softer stops of the instrument.
Mr. Mesa’s playing had a musical intensity that was commanding in every detail.
Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
William Steffenhagen
MAJOR SPONSOR
Jane Hamblen and Robert F. Lemanske
Sonata for Organ and Cello by Daniel Ficarri was commissioned by the Madison Symphony Orchestra with a gift from Fernando and Carla Alvarado.
Greg Zelek is the Principal Organist and Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ.
Take note. We guarantee a refund for tickets to any concert that cannot be performed for any reason. We will adhere to all public health guidelines and cooperate with Overture Center for the Arts for your safety. Programs, dates, and artists subject to change.
We’re excited to welcome you back to Overture Hall this fall for live in-person performances! We understand you may have questions about safety protocols. Visit our FAQ page for the latest info.
Tommy Mesa, Cuban-American cellist, has established himself as one of the most charismatic, innovative, and engaging performers of his generation. He is the recipient of the 2023 Sphinx Medal of Excellence Award, First Prize in the 2016 Sphinx Competition, and Winner of the Astral Artists 2017 National Auditions. He has appeared as soloist with major orchestras such as The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, The Cleveland Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
Highlights in the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 seasons include premiering and touring Jessie Montgomery’s Divided for solo cello and orchestra, around thirty recitals, a residency at Colburn Conservatory, curating and performing chamber music programs with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and duo recording projects with Olga Kern, JP Jofre, and Michelle Cann. Next season’s venues will include Carnegie Hall, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, The Supreme Court of the United States, Colburn School of Music, Kohler Foundation and numerous others.
Recently, Tommy was the featured cover story on Strings Magazine, September/October, 2020
Tommy has is being loaned a cello made by Guilio Gigli, c.1789. Performance clothing sponsor is Coregami.