Greg Zelek with the UW-Madison Concert Choir
October 2nd, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Tomorrow our Organ 25/26 season opens with a concert by the UW-Madison Concert Choir and our principal organist Greg Zelek, featuring some beautiful works written for organ and choir. Opening with the Kyrie from Vierne’s Messe Solennelle, the audience will hear the power of the organ in tandem with these powerful voices. In a program featuring other well-known classics, like arrangements of Amazing Grace and Barber’s Sure on This Shining Night, as well as popular arrangements of Brazilian jazz tunes, you won’t want to miss this exciting collaboration!
Event Details
Location: Overture Hall
Tickets: $28-$51
Concert Run Time: 80 mins, no intermission
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story in Concert
October 5th, 2025 at 2:30 pm
This weekend on Sunday our Madison Symphony Orchestra’s MSO at the Movies presents Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story in Concert featuring a screening of the groundbreaking complete film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Randy Newman’s musical score performed live to the film in Overture Hall.
The “Toy Story” films are beloved worldwide for their compelling characters, extraordinary storytelling, stunning visuals and the music of Randy Newman. The composer and songwriter is behind signature songs including “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” “Strange Things” and “I Will Go Sailing No More.”
Event Details
Location: Overture Hall
Tickets: $34-$114
Concert Run Time: 85 mins, with 20 min intermission
Primal Light
Friday & Saturday, October 17-18, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 19, 2:30 p.m.
Join us later this month for our first subscription concert of the centennial season. You will get the opportunity to hear songs like Resurrexit by Mason Bates, César Franck’s Symphonic Variations with guest artist Christopher Taylor on piano and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. Additional special guest artists include Soprano Jeni Houser, Mezzo-Soprano Emily Fons, and the Madison Symphony Chorus all under the direction of Maestro John DeMain. This concert is sure to give a fresh take on the story of resurrection with lush layers of colorful sound evoking a cinematic feel.
Event Details
Location: Overture Hall
Tickets: $22-$125
Concert Run Time: 125 mins, with 15 min intermission
News & Stories
BOM Gold: Best Classical Group
We are so excited to announce that we won Best of Madison Gold 2025 in the category Best Classical Group! This is an exciting honor and we want to thank everyone who voted for us this year. We will look forward to bringing classical music to Madison for many years to come! You can read more about the additional winners below.
Mike Allsen’s Madison Symphony Orchestra Book
We are excited to share that retired MSO Trombonist Mike Allsen, who also has been writing the program notes for the Symphony since 1984, has written a book about the Orchestra. It celebrates the history of the MSO: from its beginnings in 1926, as a volunteer community ensemble, to the fully professional ensemble that exists today. The book will be available to buy at the courtesy table and all proceeds will be donated back to MSO!
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Create Your Own 4 Concert Classical Series
You can choose any 4 of the 8 Symphony Subscription Concerts – any day, any seat and any price level. To take advantage of this deal just use the Promo Code: MSO4 to save 10% off single ticket prices on the top right of the pages on Overture’s website. **This does exclude Centennial Opening Weekend Events and MSO at the Movies.
New Position Opening at MSO Office
We are currently hiring for the role of Digital Marketing and Engagement Specialist at the Madison Symphony Orchestra. This is a full time position and will be a part of the Marketing team. If you or someone who know is interested please apply below!
Upcoming Concerts – You’re Invited!
Greg Zelek with Caleb Hudson, Trumpet
November 18th
Trumpeter Caleb Hudson has made a name for himself as one of the most virtuosic trumpet soloists. Greg Zelek had the opportunity to collaborate with Caleb for the first time in 2022. Now we get the opportunity to share his incredible talent with you all in a program featuring many arrangements for organ and trumpet, such as Bartok’s Romanian Dances, as well as works written by and for Caleb himself. Join us for this thrilling evening!
Radiance
November 21st-23rd
Join guest conductor Robert Moody for the second subscription concert of our 100th season performing pieces from Theofanidis, Hadyn with special guest cellist Alban Gerhardt, who is making his fifith appearance with us, and Mussorgsky. This beautiful concert will take you on an unforgettable exploration of sound and imagination.
Upcoming Community Events
Wisconsin Union Theater: HIROMI’S Sonicwonder
October 2nd, 2025
The debut album Sonicwonderland from supergroup HIROMI’S Sonicwonder was more than just a “wonderland”; it was a tour de force. With Hiromi’s explosive piano, Adam O’Farrill’s cool melodic trumpet, Gene Coye’s frenetic drums, and Hadrien Feraud’s funky bass, the album synthesized the splintering strains of today’s jazz landscape into something characteristically exuberant and, in a word, fun. After touring together for a year, bandleader Hiromi wrote the group’s next album, Out There, to highlight the musicians and “what shines in them most.” Amazing virtuosity, entertaining jazz compositions, and mind-blowing new sonic wonders: this concert has it all.
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Children’s Theater of Madison: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
October 4th-19th, 2025
Back by popular demand! Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, this captivating musical follows a brilliant little girl with extraordinary powers who refuses to let her cruel parents—or a tyrannical headmistress—hold her back. Armed with a sharp mind, a vivid imagination and a bit of magic, Matilda dares to take a stand and rewrite her destiny. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and unforgettable songs, “Matilda The Musical” is a joyous triumph of one girl’s fight for what’s right.
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Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra: Musical Landscapes in Color Vol III: Endeavor
October 10th, 2025
“Endeavor” is a bold exploration of the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s only fitting that the third installment of the Musical Landscapes in Color project features living Black American composers whose works span nearly three decades of innovation. From Regina Harris Baiocchi’s evocative “Muse for Orchestra” to the world premiere of Madison local Autumn Maria Reed’s “Mental Health Suite,” this program is a testament to resilience and creativity. Experience the cinematic sweep of Eric Gould’s “An American City” and the passionate tribute of Omar Thomas’ “Of Our New Day Begun,” which blends soulful tones with powerful rhythms. The performance culminates with the raw power of Xavier Foley’s “Soul Bass Concerto”, as the composer himself commands the stage as soloist. More than a concert, more than an album—it’s a movement, recorded live to inspire generations to come.
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Madison Ballet: Rock the Ballet
October 10th-12th, 2025
This season-opening program invites audiences to reimagine their perceptions of ballet. Too often, ballet is seen as elitist or inaccessible—but at Madison Ballet, we believe ballet is for everyone. “Re:Imagine – Rock the Ballet” breaks down those barriers, blending classical technique with contemporary flair and music not traditionally associated with ballet. The program features world premieres by acclaimed choreographers Meredith Rainey and Yury Yanowsky, a reimagined version of Richard Walters’ “Parallax” and the return of audience-favorite “Rhapsody in Blue” by Ja’ Malik, set to the recomposed Gershwin classic performed live by Mr. Chair.
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