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Tonight, Tomorrow, & Saturday: James Ehnes, Violin
Plus Strauss & Mendelssohn’s “Scottish” Symphony

“This weekend, the great violinist James Ehnes makes a much-anticipated return to perform Samuel Barber’s extraordinarily beautiful and exciting Violin Concerto. Barber is often referred to as the American romantic, and this concerto has achieved a unique place among his many fine compositions. I have always been a special fan of Richard Strauss’ tone poems, and the moving Death and Transfiguration will take us on a spiritual journey. It’s been quite a while since the MSO has performed Felix Mendelssohn’s dramatic and exciting “Scottish” Symphony No. 3. You will clearly hear references to Scottish folk music to add to your listening delight as we complete the evening. Three major works on the same program!” – MSO Music Director John DeMain

James shared thoughts his thoughts about the Barber Violin Concerto a few moments before the final rehearsal last night — watch the interview and get a sneak peek of rehearsals!

Tuesday, October 25: Christopher Houlihan, Organ

“Known for his dazzling and imaginative playing, Christopher Houlihan will make his debut at Overture Hall performing Liszt’s towering Fantasy and Fugue on “Ad nos, ad salutarem undam.” Mr. Houlihan will demonstrate his incredible musicianship and artistry in this tour de force. Mr. Houlihan will also perform a work that includes a narrated “tour” of the organ, with variations based on an American folk tune, and I will have the pleasure of narrating as the organ is explored.”

– Greg Zelek, Principal Organist 

We’re Hiring!

The Madison Symphony seeks an Education and Community Engagement Manager. Join our close-knit team of dedicated and passionate staff members in downtown Madison!

This full-time position manages the MSO’s award-winning Education and Community Engagement Programs, including young people’s concerts, young artist competitions, community engagement programs and guest artist outreach activities.

Learn more and apply by October 21

 

Upcoming Performances & Other News

Score Magazine Feature: My Symphony Story, by Robert A. Reed

Our Executive Director, Robert Reed, joined the Madison Symphony Orchestra earlier this year, and has spent more than 30 years employed by major, regional and smaller orchestras across the country. Did you know that his first exposure to classical music was in fourth grade at an Louisville Orchestra education concert?

Read Robert’s compelling Symphony Story and more in the latest issue of The Score magazine, in the mail now and available to read online anytime!

Meet our 2022 Fall Youth Concerto Competition Winner

In September, several young artists competed in our 2022 Fall Youth Concerto Competition. Katarina Kenney, an 8th grader at Madison County Day School, emerged as the winner! She played Saint-Saens Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33, 1st and 3rd movements. Katarina will perform with the orchestra in the Fall Youth Concerts on Tuesday, November 22.

Discover more about Katarina and our Education & Community Engagement programs.

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 December 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!

Learn more and cast your vote

Register to attend MSO free open rehearsal
Thursday, November 10

The Madison Symphony Orchestra is one of the few orchestras in the nation to welcome the public into select rehearsals, free of charge. Join us for the final rehearsal with Christina & Michelle Naughton before our November 11-13 concerts, Enchanted Piano & Personal Favorite. Tickets to these concerts are also on sale now!

Learn more and register to attend

Community Events

Madison Opera: Salome
November 4 & 6

Madison Opera opens its 62nd season with Richard Strauss’ Salome on Friday, November 4 at 8pm and Sunday, November 6 at 2:30pm in Overture Hall. Starring internationally acclaimed soprano Amanda Majeski in the title role and members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra under the direction of John DeMain, this will be the company’s first production of a Strauss opera. Based on Oscar Wilde’s play, this opera shocked the public when it premiered in 1905. Religion and desire combine in an extraordinary work that maintains its grip on audiences over a century later, with intense musicality and taut drama. Learn more and buy tickets.

 

Bethel Concert Series
Tuesday, October 18, 7:00 p.m.

Bethel Lutheran Church presents a special Organ and Brass concert to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the Bethel Pipe Organ on Tuesday, October 18, featuring music director Zach Busch and the Bethel Brass. Admission is free. Learn more.

Receive Symphony Email News!

Our E-News & Stories newsletters are sent out via email approximately once a month. To sign up to receive this and other email news from the Madison Symphony Orchestra, sign up now!

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