Gil Shaham Plays the Beethoven Violin Concerto

The first piece of this varied program, Rachmaninoff’s evocative and powerful score depicts Arnold Bocklin’s famous painting of an oarsman rowing a white-clad figure across a dark expanse of water to the mysterious Isle of the Dead. The mood lightens when the Háry János Suite from Kodály’s comic Hungarian folk opera radiates exotic exuberance. Then the renowned Gil Shaham gives the crowning performance of the program when he breathes life and love into the Beethoven Violin Concerto.

A dedication or a plea for mercy? Beethoven wrote his Violin Concerto in D major for Franz Clement, who played the debut in Vienna on December 23, 1806. Clement was, above all, a showman, and between the first and second movements of the concerto, he played a sonata of his own on one string, holding the violin upside down. Was Beethoven hoping for a more dignified debut when he wrote a dedication that read “Concerto composed with Clemency for Clement?”
– Norman Gilliland

About Gil Shaham

Declared “the outstanding American violinist of his generation” by Time Magazine, Gil Shaham is one of the foremost violinists of our time. His flawless technique combined with his unequalled warmth and generosity of spirit has cemented his renown as an American master. The Grammy Award-winner, also named Musical America’s “Instrumentalist of the Year,” is sought after through the world for musical appearances with leading conductors and orchestras, and regularly gives recitals with ensembles on the world’s great concert stages and most prestigious festivals. Mr. Shaham previously performed with the Madison Symphony Orchestra in 2018 playing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.

I was blown away by Gil Shaham. I’ve never seen a performance like that in my life! – MSO Subscriber

Shaham’s performance was simply the best I have seen in more than three decades of attending the symphony. – Bill Wineke, Channel 3000

. . . the audience adored it, giving him a standing ovation after the first movement alone, as well as one at the conclusion . . . – John Barker, Isthmus

Health and Safety Information

○ Overture Center’s Health Protocols: All who enter the Overture Center building must wear a face mask and show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test. Patrons not vaccinated, including children under age 12, are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to the performance. Please visit overture.org/health for more information on masks, vaccination proof, negative COVID test criteria, and more.

○ New Overture Security Measures: Overture will be utilizing new walk-through security screening technology that you will be required to move through on arrival. This should eliminate lines and allow foot traffic to quickly flow into the spaces. Additionally, large bags and backpacks are prohibited from entering the theater and can be checked after being inspected. For your convenience, we suggest you make other arrangements for these items before arriving. Visit overture.org/security for more information on these policies.

○ Read MSO’s Health and Safety FAQs: More information about our ticket policies, concessions, and answers to other frequently asked questions can be found at madisonsymphony.org/faq. Programs, dates, and artists subject to change.

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with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts