Madison Symphony Orchestra Concerts – The Madison Symphony Orchestra
Below, we’ve gathered coverage that explores the MSO’s role in Madison’s local arts scene as a driving force of the love for music. Thank you to all our partners for highlighting this special season! We encourage you to check each article linked under their respective section. Enjoy!
WKOW – Wake Up Wisconsin
“We want people to recognize what a welcoming environment it is”: Madison Symphony Orchestra kicks off 100th season
By Gracie Tuohy | Sep 18, 2025(Updated Sep 18, 2025)
MADISON (WKOW)— The Madison Symphony Orchestra will open its 100th season Friday night, marking a historic milestone and the final year for longtime music director John DeMain.
DeMain, who has led the orchestra for 32 years, will step down at the end of the season. The centennial celebration will begin this weekend with two performances: a traditional classical concert on Friday featuring works by Tchaikovsky and guest pianist Olga Kern, followed by a dinner reception. On Saturday, Cirque de la Symphonie will join the orchestra on stage, combining live music with acrobatic and circus acts in an effort to attract a younger audience. An afterparty with a DJ will follow.
DeMain says this season honors the past while setting the stage for the next 100 years, as the orchestra begins the search for his successor.
Over the past three decades, DeMain helped shape the modern era of the symphony- including the opening of the Overture Center and implementing blind auditions to promote diversity and fairness in hiring. The orchestra now includes 110 musicians, many of whom have moved to Madison from across the country.
The symphony has had only four directors in its century-long history.
DeMain said the opening weekend’s program is designed to be accessible to everyone—especially new listeners.
“The melodies are beautiful and accessible. Sometimes we play really difficult music, but this program is completely accessible,” he said. “We want people to recognize what a welcoming environment it is…”
He added that concertgoers often worry about dress codes or the etiquette of when to clap. His advice? “…Applaud when you want to.” He also suggests listening to the music beforehand for those attending for the first time.
The centennial season will conclude in June with a two-day free festival at the Overture Center, inviting the entire community to celebrate the orchestra’s legacy and future.
WisBusiness
WisBusiness: the Podcast with Robert Reed, executive producer, Madison Symphony Orchestra
September 19, 2025
This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with Robert Reed, executive producer of the Madison Symphony Orchestra.
The orchestra this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary season. Reed discusses the organization’s history and growth over time, from its roots as the Madison Civic Society to a full professional orchestra.
“People just think of an orchestra as usually just a cultural asset, and I’m here to tell you that we actually are a very powerful economic driver that contributes significantly to the vibrant and prosperous society,” he said. “We contribute to the GDP, we support jobs, we generate tax revenue and we drive tourism.”
He notes the orchestra brings in many visitors to Wisconsin’s capitol city, who eat at restaurants, shop the local stores and stay at hotels in town.
“One of the bigger things that we do is we help keep the downtown community really revitalized,” he said, adding the orchestra is the largest organization that performs at the Overture Center for the Arts. “Every month, basically between September and June, we’re there.”
Along with classical performances, the orchestra also does musical accompaniments to popular films such as Star Wars and favorites for kids like Toy Story.
“We have something for everybody,” Reed said, adding “that’s what I love about us, is our versatility. We can be anything we need to be at any given time, and we have fun doing that.”
He says most people likely know more about music than they give themselves credit for, emphasizing the cultural impact that an orchestra can have.
“As long as you’ve seen Bugs Bunny cartoons and you have gone to the movies, you’ve heard music in your life for a long time,” he said. “If you think of the soundtrack for Jaws, that shark would not be that menacing if it wasn’t for the music behind it.”
Reed also highlights the 91 musicians in the orchestra, many of which live in Madison. Others hail from Whitewater, Appleton and elsewhere, he said.
“Most of the musicians may have originated here, but so many, especially over the last 10 or so years, have been auditioning from other cities to come to Madison, and then they move here,” he said.
Listen to the podcast below, sponsored by UW-Madison:
LivingMadison
Sep 21, 2025 (via Instagram)
100 years, and last night felt like the kickoff of the century! The Madison Symphony Orchestra opened its 100th season with Cirque de la Symphonie: Matching Movement to the Score—breathtaking music + jaw-dropping acrobatics.
Huge props to Executive Director Robert Reed and the symphony board for putting on such a sensational evening. And @terrencej608 kept the after party alive—proof the symphony knows how to throw a party!🔥
This season has something for every generation—from timeless classics to movie and epic themed performances. Coming up: Disney & Pixar’s Toy Story in Concert, a Free Community Carol Sing (2025), organist Felix Hell, and a June farewell extravaganza for the iconic John DeMain after 30+ years. From classics to themed nights, there’s something for everyone.
Who’s coming with me to the next performance? 🎟️
📸 I was given special permission to film—please remember that filming during performances isn’t allowed unless you have permission. #MadisonSymphony #MSO100 #MadisonWI #LivingInMadison #MadisonEvents #CirqueDeLaSymphonie #SupportTheArts