Beyond the Score®: Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring
Sunday, February 13, 2:30 p.m.
Join us for a multimedia presentation starring American Players Theatre actors, visual projections and live musical examples with the entire work performed in the second half. One performance only!
Transforming simple ancient folk music from Russia and Lithuania into a perfect storm of rhythm, harmony and melodies that were unlike any heard before its time, Stravinsky created the biggest scandal in the history of music in 1911. The Rite of Spring put him at the very forefront of the avant-garde and spread his name to the corners of the world. Experience this artistic masterpiece by discovering the history behind the groundbreaking composition during the first half of the presentation, then listen with a deeper understanding of the work from start to finish following intermission.
Reginald Mobley, Countertenor & Greg Zelek, Organ
Tuesday, February 15, 7:30 p.m.
Highly sought after for baroque, classical, and modern repertoire, Countertenor Reginald Mobley’s voice will soar through Overture Hall with our program ranging from baroque works to gospel spirituals. In a concert that includes Florence Price’s jazzy Suite for Organ, as well as a variety of gospel arrangements, Mr. Mobley and I will explore the limitless possibilities of pairing the organ and voice. This unique program requires creativity beyond our standard scope to weave together different musical genres, demonstrating striking similarities and beautiful contrasts.
– Greg Zelek, Principal Organist and Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ
Other Recent News & Stories
Best of Madison
Cast your nominations for Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison 2022 every day through February 28! Help the Madison Symphony Orchestra get nominated for the Classical Music Group Category and John DeMain get nominated for the Local Celebrity category. Write in your nominations every day through the end of the month at https://www.channel3000.com/best-of-madison-2022
Congratulations to our 2022 Bolz Finalists and Semi-Finalists!
All rounds of the Bolz Young Artist Competition were held in person this year! The Preliminary Round of the competition was held on January 15 and the Semi-Final Round was held on January 27, both at Overture Center for the Arts. All eight semi-finalists gave outstanding performances, and four were chosen to move on to the final round, The Final Forte, on April 13. Congratulations to all our competitors!
The Final Forte is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in Overture Hall. The event begins at 6:45 p.m. Competitors will be accompanied by the Madison Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kyle Knox, MSO Associate Conductor. We expect the competition to be broadcast live on PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio. We also expect a live audience to be present — attendance will be free and open to the public. Stay tuned for information on registration in the coming weeks. In the mean time, congratulations to these outstanding young artists!
Parties of Note
The Madison Symphony Orchestra League’s Parties of Note return for 2022! This year’s party lineup features well-known hosts, behind-the-scenes venues, outdoor adventures, musical entertainment, and more. And of course, with all our parties you will enjoy fabulous food and the camaraderie of your fellow music enthusiasts. Registration for MSOL Members will open on Monday, February 28. Registration for the general public will open Monday, March 7. Preview this year’s parties and learn more about joining MSOL to gain early registration access at madisonsymphony.org/parties.
We’ve Partnered with Target Circle!
Vote now through March 31
We are honored and excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! Now through March 31, vote for us through the Target Circle program to help determine how Target’s donation will be divvied up. Make sure to set your preferred store as one of the nine stores located in the Madison area or Southern Wisconsin to be able to cast your vote for the MSO!
Concert on the Green
Monday, June 20
Save the date for the MSOL’s most successful fundraiser, Concert on the Green, on Monday, June 20. We are very excited to announce that Mike Leckrone, UW–Madison Band Director emeritus, will join our 2022 event as Honorary Golf Chair! Those who enjoy golf may start the day at Bishops Bay on the shores of beautiful Lake Mendota by participating in our annual golf tournament, which includes fabulous prizes. Professor Leckrone will be on the golf course throughout the day for photo opportunities. The evening includes a cocktail hour, a private concert by the Madison Symphony Orchestra under a large lakeside tent, and a gourmet picnic dinner. The annual concert highlight is a stunning solo performance by the winner of the MSO’s Bolz Young Artist Competition. As a special treat, Professor Leckrone will conduct one piece on the concert program.
Registration for this event will open in March. Learn more about the event on our website.
Upcoming Community Events and Resources
Just Bach Monthly Concert
Luther Memorial Church, Madison
Wednesday, February 16
Just Bach is a monthly concert series in Madison, celebrating the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Founded to share the immense range of Bach’s vocal and instrumental repertoire with the Madison community at large, Just Bach features musicians — including several MSO musicians — who play on period instruments using historically-informed performance practice, bringing the music to life in the manner and style that Bach intended. Concerts will be in-person and recorded but not live-streamed; the recorded concert video will be posted on the Just Bach YouTube channel on the Sunday afternoon following the concert. Learn more and attend or tune in at https://justbach.org/
She Loves Me
Madison Opera
Overture Center for the Arts
February 18 & 20
Madison Opera, conducted by John DeMain, presents She Loves Me on February 18 and 20. With its charming score, witty lyrics, and sophisticated story, She Loves Me is the perfect romantic comedy. Brighten up winter with some happily-ever-after! Learn more and buy tickets at madisonopera.org/shelovesme.
The Mytilenean Debate
Forward Theater
Overture Center for the Arts
Febuary 24 — March 13
Latimer is a successful heart surgeon. When his much younger girlfriend, Nina, unexpectedly gets pregnant, Latimer must break the news to his grown daughter, who is struggling to start a family of her own. Written by poet, award-winning author, and Forward Theater Writer in Residence Quan Barry, The Mytilenean Debate raises questions about race, legacy, and the issues couples face as they navigate the world, both together and as individuals. Learn more and buy tickets.
The Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra
Edgerton Performing Arts Center
Saturday, March 5
Join the The Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic, the largest music institution in eastern Poland, for a concert at the Edgerton Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 5. The Philharmonic offers symphony concerts, recitals, organ and chamber music soirées performed by the most prominent Polish musicians and internationally acclaimed artists. Tickets are $35. Learn more at https://www.edgerton.k12.wi.us/domain/559.
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