Our August 2021 E-News highlights our upcoming Farmer’s Market Organ Concert, the 2021 Symphony Gala, and our exciting return to Overture Hall with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in September. Plus, learn more about the upcoming Symphony and Organ seasons, read about the Rhapsodie Quartet’s recent performance at Olbrich Gardens, and more!
Joyful Reunion — Tickets on Sale August 21st!
We can’t imagine a more exciting way to reunite with you for a true expression of joy with a thrilling return to live classical music in Overture Hall. Experience Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, one of the most iconic masterpieces of all time that celebrates the freedom and triumph of the human spirit over adversity — bringing to life its “Ode to Joy” — with more meaning now than ever before. We open this special program honoring the brilliant tenure of our principal oboist Marc Fink with the Oboe Concerto by Mozart, who was Beethoven’s compositional inspiration.
Single tickets for this special concert presentation are $15, $30, $60 or $90 and go on sale to the public on Saturday, August 21. Subscribers can take advantage of 50% off tickets beginning Monday, August 9! Learn more on our website.
Free Farmers’ Market Organ Concert
Saturday, August 28 — Overture Hall
Join Principal Organist Greg Zelek and MSO Musicians Laura Burns, Chris Dozoryst, Derek Handley, and Hillary Hempel for a FREE Concert in Overture Hall on Saturday, August 28! Step into the cool expanse of Overture Hall during the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square to enjoy the gift of beautiful music with the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Overture Concert Organ. Bring your family and friends for a relaxing 45-minute free concert. No tickets or reservations are needed and all ages are welcome!
You’re Invited to the 2021 Symphony Gala
The Madison Symphony Orchestra League invites you to a memorable evening in support of the MSO’s Education and Community Engagement Programs on Friday, September 10 at the Madison Concourse Hotel. The 2021 John DeMain Award for Outstanding Commitment to Music will be presented to Judy Topitzes.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and music by The Honey Pies, musical performances by a 2021 Bolz Young Artist Competition winner and the Rhapsodie Quartet, dinner with strolling violin, and more.
Other Recent News & Stories
Subscribe to the 21/22 Symphony Season
Have you explored our 21/22 Symphony Season yet? This joyous celebration of Beethoven begins in October, featuring stellar artists including Gil Shaham, Olga Kern, Kelly Hall-Tompkins, Garrick Ohlsson, and more.
“The musicians and I can’t wait to welcome you back to our concerts in beautiful Overture Hall!” – John DeMain, Music Director
Rhapsodie Quartet Returns to Live Music at Olbrich Gardens
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens Thai Garden was indeed the perfect setting for a concert presented by the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Rhapsodie Quartet on Friday, July 16. This exhilarating concert marked the first live performance by Madison Symphony Orchestra musicians since March of 2020!
Read the full story and view stunning photos from the evening on our website.
Subscriptions Available NOW for our 21/22 Organ Season!
Our 21/22 Overture Concert Organ season features the return of Isabelle Demers, and countertenor Reginald Mobley joins Principal Organist Greg Zelek for a program of organ transcriptions and gospel spirituals. Plus, Greg opens the season with a solo performance, and closes it in collaboration with the Diapason Brass & Timpani.
Subscribe to all four concerts now for just $63!
Upcoming Community Events and Virtual Resources
Summer Organ Concert Series: Greg Zelek
Sinsinawa Mound Center
Wednesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m.
The Sinsinawa Mound Center in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin presents a free concert featuring our Principal Organist Greg Zelek on August 25 at 7:00 p.m. This concert is open to the public or can be watched online at sinsinawa.org/live. Concert guests will follow COVID-19 protocol, including wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and using hand sanitizer, and attendance will be limited to 125 people.
Learn more at the Sinsinawa Mound Center’s website.
Rough Crossing
Presented by American Players Theatre
Now through August 7
You had us at Tom Stoppard. Rough Crossing, by the storied British playwright, is taken from another play (by the Hungarian playwright Ferenc Molnár). The themes are pure Stoppard — a meta look at theater, with wordplay and wit in every line of the script. This is all APT’s wheelhouse, to be sure. The cast features 21/22 MSO Symphony Season guest artists Kelsey Brennan and James Ridge, alongside David Daniel, Jamal James, Josh Krause, and Marcus Truschinski.
To find our more and secure tickets, please visit https://americanplayers.org/plays/rough-crossing.
An Iliad
Presented by American Players Theatre
Now through August 15
Revisit Homer’s epic tale, distilled by one war-torn poet. Actor Jim DeVita takes audiences on a thrilling, wrenching tour of the Trojan War. The intimate Touchstone Theatre is an ideal space for this exploration of the contradictory conditions of glory and violence, and the human race’s seemingly endless fascination with war.
To find out more, please visit https://americanplayers.org/.
Fresco Opera Theatre
Presented by Olbrich Gardens
Tuesday, August 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy an evening concert in one of Madison’s most delightful outdoor venues.
Fresco Opera Theatre is back this summer with their unique performances of opera with a modern perspective! Stroll through the Gardens and take in roaming performances of several operatic scenes performed in different garden areas. Beauty for the eyes and ears!
This is a free community concert. No ticket required!
To find out more event information, please visit http://www.olbrich.org/events/summerconcert.cfm.
Middleton Community Orchestra Concerts
Presented by the Middleton Community Orchestra
Sunday, August 15
The Middleton Community Orchestra will present four free outdoor concerts at Fireman’s Park in Middleton. The public is invited to bring a lawn chair or a blanket or sit at a picnic table at the park. Concerts are on Sundays from 11:30 to 1 pm. The programs for each concert are as follows:
Jul 25, 2021: Chris Ramaekers, conductor; Tchaikovsky – March Slav; Weber – Concerto No. 2 featuring JJ Koh, clarinet; Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 2
Aug 15, 2021: Sergei Pavlov, conductor; Brahms – Piano Concerto No. 1 featuring Thomas Kasdorf, piano
To find out more, please visit https://middletoncommunityorchestra.org.
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