Premiere Debut
January 21, 22, 23
In her MSO debut, the prizewinning Kelly Hall-Tompkins performs the Madison premiere of Wynton Marsalis’ exciting Violin Concerto, a tour de force exhibition from the hand of America’s foremost jazz and classical artist. Preceded by Kabalevsky’s exhilarating overture, it is followed by Saint-Saëns’ majestic “Organ Symphony,” so-called because the addition of the organ in the final movement is an unforgettable sonic experience.
A Conversation with John DeMain and Kelly Hall-Tompkins
Experience a remarkable 50 minute journey with MSO’s Music Director John DeMain and Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins. You’ll learn how Maestro DeMain discovered Wynton Marsalis’ Violin Concerto in D, and the ways he and Kelly are approaching the performances of “Premiere Debut” on January 21, 22 and 23.
Composer Spotlight: Wynton Marsalis
We are excited to include the work of jazz legend Wynton Marsalis at our January concerts when Kelly Hall-Tompkins performs the Madison premiere of his Violin Concerto. Learn more about this incredible composer and what makes his Violin Concerto in D such a compelling piece!
Other Recent News & Stories
Women in Music
The Madison Symphony Orchestra welcomes three incredible female guest artists to the stage during our 21/22 Symphony Season. Learn more about their accomplishments and other exciting competitions and events hosted by and for women in music!
MSOL Connect: Western Art Music & Composers from the African Diaspora
Thursday, Jan. 20, 7:00 p.m.
MSOL Connect is a series of free one-hour online events created during the pandemic to keep friends of the Madison Symphony Orchestra League connected and engaged. Each event is an informative and entertaining presentation related to classical music. Hosted by educator Steve Kurr, our first MSOL Connect event of 2022 will investigate, emphasize and celebrate musical composition by Black men and women. We’ll look at their contributions to western classical music, a field historically dominated by discussion of white male musicians. Registration is free and open until Tuesday, January 18!
We’ve Partnered with Target Circle!
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!
Upcoming Community Events and Resources
Just Bach Monthly Concert
Luther Memorial Church, Madison
Wednesday, January 19
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/
Willy Street Chamber Players at the Tinsmith
Saturday, February 12
Join the award-winning Willy Street Chamber Players, which features members of the MSO, and The Tinsmith for a memorable evening of chamber music Saturday, February 12th! Doors will open at 5, so come early to mingle, grab a drink, and spend some time in The Tinsmith’s beautiful solarium before attending the concert. A Valentine’s Day themed program from 6-7pm will celebrate love of all kinds. Learn more about the program and purchase tickets at willystreetchamberplayers.org.
Madison Youth Choirs Winter Concerts
Virtual Performances
The Madison Youth Choirs presented their Winter Concert Series on December 12 with the theme “Ancestors in Training.” All three concerts in the series were recorded live, and you can view them on their website now: https://www.madisonyouthchoirs.org/
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