FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 24, 2026
John DeMain Conducts His Final MSO Subscription Concerts as Music Director
Voices Eternal: May 1, 2, 3
Out at the Symphony to take place at Lucille before the Sunday performance
Madison, Wis. – John DeMain will conduct his final subscription concerts as Music Director, titled Voices Eternal: An Inspired 100th Anniversary Celebration, May 1, 2, 3. He will be joined by Alessio Bax (piano), Alexandra LoBianco (soprano), Adriana Zabala (mezzo-soprano), Travon Walker (tenor), John Holiday (countertenor), Matt Boehler (bass) and the Madison Symphony Chorus. The program features works by Richard Wagner, Edward MacDowell, Leonard Bernstein and Anton Bruckner.
The program opens with Wagner’s Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, a stirring hymn to music and culture performed during the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s first year, in 1926 as the Madison Civic Symphony.
Pianist Alessio Bax makes his MSO debut with MacDowell’s Piano Concerto No. 2, arguably the first great American concerto and a cornerstone of the Romantic repertoire. Chicago Classical Review hails Bax’s “imposing technical arsenal, with his even, light-fingered articulation blazing through the virtuosic demands with little apparent difficulty.”
Following intermission, the orchestra and the Madison Symphony Chorus will perform Bernstein’s moving Chichester Psalms, reprising music from DeMain’s first concert as music director in 1994. The work blends Hebrew text with elements of both Jewish and Christian musical traditions, and it showcases the voice of Mr. Holiday.
The concert concludes with Bruckner’s Te Deum, a grand choral work featuring LaBianco, Zabala, tenor Walker, Holiday and Boehler. The work serves as a conclusion celebration of both DeMain’s tenure and the orchestra’s subscription season.
About Alessio Bax
Bax is known for combining exceptional lyricism and insight with consummate technique. Known for being a recitalist, chamber musician and concerto soloist, Bax has appeared with nearly 200 orchestras, including the New York, London, Royal and St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestras. He was recently named founding Artistic Director of the London Chamber Music Festival at Sinfonia Sith Square.
About Alexandra LoBianco
LoBianco has established herself as a dramatic soprano of distinctive versatility, musicality and commanding stage presence in some of opera’s most demanding roles. Her repertoire includes leading roles such as Brünnhilde in Die Walküre, Leonore in Fidelio, Minnie in La fanciulla del West and the title role in Turandot with major companies including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Vienna State Opera.
About Adriana Zabala
Zabala is an acclaimed mezzo-soprano recognized for her versatility in opera, concert and recital repertoire in the United States and internationally. She has appeared with companies including Minnesota Opera and Opera Colorado in both classic and contemporary works. She has also performed with leading orchestras such as the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Zabala is currently an associate professor of voice at the Yale School of Music.
About Travon Walker
Walker is a member of the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He has appeared with leading companies including Lyric Opera of Chicago and Opera Philadelphia and has performed concert repertoire with orchestras such as the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra and the Erie Philharmonic. His recent and upcoming engagements include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Handel’s Messiah and Britten’s War Requiem.
About John Holiday
Holiday has appeared with leading companies including Komische Oper Berlin, Bayerische Staatsoper, Boston Lyric Opera and the San Francisco Symphony. He has established a reputation across both operatic and concert stages internationally. Holiday is an associate professor of voice at the University of Maryland School of Music.
About Matt Boehler
Boehler is recognized for his dynamic stage presence and inventive approach to both operatic performance and new music creation. He has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera and Canadian Opera Company, and is a frequent collaborator in contemporary opera and concert works.
About the Madison Symphony Chorus
Under Taylor’s leadership, the Madison Symphony Chorus has established itself as one of the region’s premier vocal ensembles. Comprised of more than 125 volunteer singers, the chorus performs regularly with the Madison Symphony Orchestra in major choral-orchestral masterworks and is known for its artistic excellence and versatility.
Single tickets for all concerts and events can be purchased through the Overture Center Box Office or online https://madisonsymphony.org/event/voiceseternal/.
Also featured during the May concert weekend is Out at the Symphony. Attendees can connect with music-loving LGBTQIA+ friends and allies and enjoy pre-concert Drag Brunch Bingo at Lucille. Guests can enjoy a brunch buffet and cash bar, play Drag Brunch Bingo hosted by drag queen Kendra Banxs, win prizes and tip performers. Ticket options include $35 for the event only or $55 for a combined concert and event experience. For more information: https://madisonsymphony.org/event/out-may-2026/
About the Madison Symphony Orchestra
The Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 100th Anniversary season in 2025-2026. The MSO has grown to be one of America’s leading regional orchestras, providing Madison and south-central Wisconsin with cultural and educational opportunities to interact with great masterworks and top-tier guest artists from around the world. 2025-2026 marks John DeMain’s 32nd year and final season as Music Director. Learn more at madisonsymphony.org.
The Presenting Sponsor for these concerts is Diane Ballweg, Elaine and Nicholas Mischler, Richman & Richman LLC, Nick and Judith Topitzes Family Foundation and the University Research Park. Additional sponsors are DeWitt LLP, Kathleen Harker, Myron Pozniak and Kathleen Baus, Ellis and Katie Waller and the Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Contact: Emma Potter
Phone: (608) 257-3734 x230
Email: epotter@madisonsymphony.org
Web: madisonsymphony.org
MSO 25-26 Symphony Season Press Photos: https://madisonsymphony.org/press-room/