99th season opening concert: Reunion
September 20, 21, 22
Umoja, the Swahili word for “unity” and the first principle of the African holiday Kwanzaa, is a beautiful way to bring us together again. We begin our 99th season journey with a work of the same name by African-American composer Valerie Coleman. Our Principal Organist, Greg Zelek, plays one of the great works for organ and orchestra, Jongen’s Symphonie Concertante. Tommy Mesa thrilled audiences with Greg on our organ series program and again as a soloist with the Symphony. He returns to perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Our first concert of the season wraps up with a suite from Manuel de Falla’s colorful, Spanish-flavored ballet, The Three-Cornered Hat.
24-25 Symphony Season
With eight subscription concerts between September and May, plus two special presentations of MSO at the Movies, there’s something for everyone in our 99th season! Enjoy classical music favorites or discover something new. Single ticket prices range from $15-$104, or get the best seats at the best price when you create your own subscription package of 5-8 concerts. Subscriptions begin at $70 for 5 concerts!
24-25 Organ Season
Join Principal Organist Greg Zelek in the Overture Concert Organ’s 20th season for another incredible series of four concerts! Organist Paul Jacobs opens the season in October and Greg Zelek collaborates with the Lyyra Choir, tenor Limmie Pulliam, and members of the Empire Brass to round out an exciting and diverse season of music. Single ticket prices range from $25-40, or subscribe to all four concerts for $80-$128! Organ subscriptions are available until Friday, September 20.
Other News & Stories
Free Open Rehearsal
Thursday, Sept. 19
Join us for the final rehearsal leading up to our Reunion concerts on Thursday, September 19. The MSO is one of the few orchestras in the nation to welcome the public into select rehearsals, free of charge. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to experience a working symphony in action and be sure to bring the young musicians in your life to see what happens behind the scenes! Open rehearsals are open to the public and free to attend, but reservations are required. Learn more and RSVP.
MSO After Dark
Friday, October 18
Connect with other classical music lovers (and Halloween fans) ages 21-40 at our October “Visions” concert, and enjoy an exclusive post-concert event in the Overture Center’s Promenade Hall on Friday, October 18! Meet musicians of the MSO, eat, drink, and dance with music courtesy of DJ Femme Noir at a Halloween-themed masquerade following the concert. Tickets are $55 and include a Circle-level concert ticket and post-concert event access with food and beverages provided. Or, if you’ve already purchased concert tickets, masquerade-only tickets are $35. Feel free to dress in any costume (or not) and bring a mask (or not)! Either way, please RSVP by Wednesday, October 9. Learn more and join us!
Fall Youth Concerto Competition
Applications are being accepted through Wednesday, September 18 for our Fall Youth Concerto Competition! The competition is open to Wisconsin students in grades 3 to 8 and takes place on Saturday, September 28 at the Youth Arts Center in Madison. The winner will perform in Overture Hall with the Madison Symphony Orchestra for an audience of their peers at our Fall Youth Concerts on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. They will also receive a scholarship to attend the UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic. Learn more and submit an application.
Score Magazine
The latest issue of our Score Magazine will be in your mailboxes soon, and is available for viewing online now! Look back at last season and preview our 99th Symphony Season and 20th Organ Season – plus read recaps of Voices of Spring, Symphony at Sunset, and learn more about exciting Education programs planned for this fall. Read the full issue online now!
Upcoming Community Events
Save up to 35% on CTM Mainstage shows through Oct 2!
Children’s Theater of Madison is having its fabulous preseason sale right now. It’s the best time to get the best seats to every show including, A Chirstmas Carol and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella – both in the Capitol Theater at Overture center. Up to 35% OFF now – October 2nd. Buy tickets at ctmtheater.org
Forward Theater: King James
September 12-29
A spirited homage to fandom, for sports and theater lovers alike. “King” LeBron James was just the hero that Cleveland needed. One of the greatest NBA players to ever hit the court, his influence brought promise and renewal to an entire city. Set against the backdrop of James’ electrifying basketball career, this fast-paced comedy chronicles the turbulent bond between two die-hard fans, whose intertwined fortunes are tied to those of their idol. A hilarious and heartfelt exploration of loyalty, legacy, and the shared moments that define us.
Learn more and buy tickets.
Oakwood Chamber Players
September 13, 14, 15
For nearly four decades, the Oakwood Chamber Players have been dedicated to delivering exceptional classical and contemporary music performances to the Madison and Wisconsin communities. Join them in celebration of their 40th season with their opening performances September 13-15! Learn more and buy tickets.
Just Bach Concert Series
Wednesday, September 18
Just Bach was founded to celebrate and to share with the Madison community at large the immense range of Bach’s vocal and instrumental repertoire. Just Bach presents performers who play and sing using historically-informed performance practice, bringing the music to life in a manner and style with which Bach was familiar. The audience is invited to sing along during the closing chorales – because group singing is therapeutic! Just Bach’s first concert of the season at Luther Memorial on September 18 will feature JS Bach’s Coffee Cantata, BWV 211: Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht. Soloists Julia Rottmayer, soprano; Ryan Nash, tenor; and Ryne Cherry, bass will be accompanied by flute, 2 violins, viola, cello, and harpsichord. 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!