Thank you so much for being a part of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. We’re excited to bring you some news and stories from the past month! Read further to find out what to expect in this September 2026 E-News & Stories.
- MSO Upcoming Concerts & Events
- Opening Night with Joshua Bell
- Disney’s The Lion King In Concert
- Greg Zelek All Bach
- Fall Hunt Quartet Recital
- News & Stories
- Choose Your Own Series
- PBS WI Festival Concert Premiere
- October Open Rehearsal
- Celebrating Your Support
- Announcing the Marika Fischer Hoyt Chair
- A Missed Night at Carnegie Hall Becomes a Gift to Madison
- Community Events
- Madison Ballet
- con vivo!
- Looking Forward To Next Month
- Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony
- MSO After Dark: Beethoven & Bouquets
MSO Upcoming Concerts & Events
“A thoroughly serious, intelligent musician,” raves the Financial Times of London. The Boston Herald declares his playing is “direct, honest and a joy to hear.” Audiences around the globe have cheered the phenomenal Joshua Bell. See him, live in concert with the Madison Symphony and Music Director Emeritus John DeMain, performing Lalo’s dazzling Symphonie Espagnole.
Event Details
When: Sept. 18th at 6:00 pm
Location: Overture Center – Promenade Hall
Tickets: $28-$131
The Madison Symphony Orchestra will present Disney’s The Lion King Live in Concert with Hans Zimmer’s Oscar®-winning musical score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by resident conductor Kyle Knox. Bring your friends, kids, grandkids and family to enjoy live music for all!
Event Details
When: Sept. 20th at 2:30 pm
Location: Overture Center – Promenade Hall
Tickets
Adults: $30-100
Kids: $30-$50
Family 4 Pack: $100-$275
Your season begins with the first ever Sunday matinee concert featuring masterworks by Johann Sebastian Bach, some of the most profound and enduring pieces in the organ repertoire, showcasing his technical brilliance and enduring humanity. I can’t think of a better way to start this exciting 22nd organ season! – Greg Zelek
Event Details
When: Sept. 27th at 2:30 pm
Location: Overture Center – Promenade Hall
Tickets: $28-$51
The Hunt Quartet of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Up Close & Musical® program excited to present the first of two recitals for the 26-27 Season! The Hunt Quartet is made up of Madison Symphony violinists Paran Amirinazari and Hillary Hempel, violist Jennifer Paulson, and cellist Trace Johnson.
Event Details
When: Sept. 26th at 7:00 pm
Location: River Arts Center – Leola Hall
Tickets: $15 Standard
$12 Students and Seniors
Click Here To Learn More
When: Sept. 28th at 3:00 pm
Location: Stoughton Opera House
Tickets: FREE*
*Donations are appreciated
News & Stories
Choose Your Own Series
Imagine the flexibility of creating your own series of concerts and saving money at the same time. We are excited to offer a new Choose Your Own Series. You can choose any of the 8 Symphony Subscription Concerts, 4 Overture Organ Performances or 2 MSO at the Movies Concerts – any day, any seat and any price level. This is your chance to mix and match what you would like to see to fully customize your symphony experience.
How do I sign up? To take advantage of this deal click the link below to fill out the form to sign up. Once you have completed the form you will receive a confirmation email with more details about next steps. If you have any questions or issues while signing up, please contact Audience Experience Manager, Isabella Clinton at iclinton@madisonsymphony.org for help or call our office at (608)-257-3734.
Stream The MSO Closing Festival Concert
Did you miss attending the Closing Festival Symphony Performance in June? You can watch it on PBS Wisconsin this Thursday, September 10th at 7 pm. The program was recorded June 14, 2026. Tune in to WPR Music on air, online or on the WPR app. For more information and to watch videos of the performance, visit PBS Wisconsin. This special will be repeated at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13.
The Madison Symphony Orchestra is one of the few orchestras in the nation to welcome the public into select rehearsals, free of charge. The first Open Rehearsal is Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 7:00 pm. We encourage you to bring aspiring young musicians in your life to see what happens behind the scenes as our guest artists and orchestra prepare for concert performances. Space is limited so make sure to sign up online using the link below.
Celebrating Your Support
Announcing the Marika Fischer Hoyt Chair
The MSO is pleased to announce that the third chair of the viola section has been endowed and named in perpetuity the Marika Fischer Hoyt Chair. Marika Fischer Hoyt was a member of the viola section for over 20 years, who made outstanding contributions to Madison’s music community as a performer and leader. Read the full story here.
A Missed Night at Carnegie Hall Becomes a Gift to Madison
Thirteen years ago, Joel & Kathy Belaire traveled to NYC with their good friends and regular travel companions, Marilyn and Jim Ebben, for what promised to be an unforgettable evening: Carnegie Hall’s opening-night gala concert with the famous violinist Joshua Bell. pUnfortunately, things did not go as planned. Now, thanks to a generous gift from Joel and Kathy, that missed performance has found its way to Madison.
Community Events To Check Out!
Madison Ballet: 2026 Nutcracker Community & School Auditions!
September 12th, 2026
Madison Ballet’s The Nutcracker Auditions are now open! We’re looking for dancers to help bring this timeless holiday classic to life on stage. Whether you’re dreaming of dancing in the Land of Sweets, being a guest at the Stahlbaum party, or stepping on stage for the first time, this is your chance to be part of the magic!
❄ Location: Madison Ballet Studios (6734 Odana Rd.)
❄ Pre-registration is required to audition
con vivo!: Fall 2026 Concert
October 2nd, 2026
con vivo!…music with life chamber music ensemble invites you to our fall concert featuring the beautiful sounds of winds and strings. The program includes Septets by Scandinavian composer Franz Berwald and Russian composer Mikhail Glinka. Each one is an undiscovered jewel of the chamber music repertoire. Many of you heard con vivo!’s performance at the MSO Centennial Festival Celebration in Promenade Hall in June. So come hear more great music from some of Madison’s best classical musicians up close and personal!
Looking Forward To Next Month!
Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony
When: October 16-18, 2026
Where: Overture Hall
Ticket Cost: $22-$125
MSO After Dark: Beethoven & Bouquets
When: October 16, 2026
Where: Overture Center’s Wisconsin Studio
Ticket Cost: $20-$40
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