FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 1, 2023 (updated November 20, 2023)
Madison Symphony Orchestra’s “A Madison Symphony Christmas” Celebrates the Start of the Holiday Season December 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Featuring the Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir and opera stars.
A free Carol Sing with Principal Organist Greg Zelek takes place in Overture Hall at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 1st
Madison, Wis. – The Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) continues its 2023-2024 season with a cherished Madison holiday tradition — “A Madison Symphony Christmas” in Overture Hall on December 1, 2 and 3, 2023. The concert features the full MSO along with soloists Evelyn Saavedra, soprano, Limmie Pulliam, tenor, the Madison Symphony Chorus directed by Beverly Taylor, Madison Youth Choirs with Artistic Director Michael Ross, and the Mount Zion Gospel Choir directed by Tamera and Leotha Stanley. The program includes holiday favorites and more including Angels We Have Heard on High, O Holy Night, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, works by Bach, Vivaldi, Rutter, Franck, Poulenc’s Gloria, Handel’s Hallelujah chorus from Messiah, Three Holiday Songs from “Home Alone” by John Williams, Peter Jaffe’s Symph-Hannukah, Go Tell it on the Mountain, and Leotha Stanley’s Special Christmas Love and Christmas Peace.
“Our traditional and beloved Christmas concert returns in all of its aural and visual splendor, with our own Madison Symphony Chorus, The Madison Youth Choirs, and the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir.,” Music Director John DeMain exclaims. “Joining us will be soprano Evelyn Saavedra, who recently starred in our Voices of Spring organ gala, bringing to us a voice of great beauty and a charming personality as well. Those of you who attended Madison Opera’s 2022 Opera in the Park will remember Limmie Pulliam’s show stopping performance of Puccini’s Nessun dorma. This remarkable tenor will join us as well, for a perfect way to start the holiday season.”
Symphony Concert, Ticket and Event Details, Artist and Performer Bios
Three performances of the “A Madison Symphony Christmas” concerts will take place Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. More information is found at https://madisonsymphony.org/christmas/. Artist and performer bios are also found on the event page.
Single tickets are on sale now through the Overture Center Box office ($15-$102). Tickets can be purchased online at overture.org, in-person or by phone by calling (608) 258-4141 during Box Office hours. $15 student rush tickets may be purchased beginning the Friday of the concert weekend through the performance time on each day at the Overture Box Office. Note that fees apply to online and phone orders. No fees for in-person purchase at the Overture Box Office, 201 State Street.
The lobby opens 90 minutes prior to each concert. The Symphony recommends concert attendees arrive early for each performance to make sure they have time to pass through Overture Center’s security stations.
Caroling in the Overture Lobby
Join the Madison Symphony Chorus for free caroling in the Overture Hall Lobby 55 minutes before each concert.
Free Carol Sing with Principal Organist and Special Guest Mark Hetzler, Sat., Dec. 2 at 11:00 a.m. Bring your pipes, and your friends and family, to raise a joyful noise with the MSO’s Overture Concert Organ. Learn more: http://madisonsymphony.org/carolsing
Drinks are now allowed in Overture Hall
As of this season, drinks are allowed inside Overture Hall during all Madison Symphony Orchestra concerts and Overture Concert Organ performances. Refreshments may be purchased at bars and concession stands located around the Overture Hall lobby before each concert and during intermission. Please enjoy food in the lobby and unwrap any candy or cough drops before the performance begins.
Health & Safety Precautions
Masks and proof of COVID-19 vaccination are not currently required to enter Overture Center for the Arts. More information about the many safety protocols can be found at overture.org/health, and madisonsymphony.org/health.
About the Madison Symphony Orchestra
The Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 98th season in 2023–2024. The MSO has grown to be one of America’s leading regional orchestras, providing Madison and south-central Wisconsin with cultural and educational opportunities to interact with great symphonic repertoire and top-tier guest artists from around the world. 2023–2024 is Music Director John DeMain’s 30th anniversary season. The MSO’s 100th anniversary season celebration will take place during the 2025–2026 season. Learn more at madisonsymphony.org
Major Sponsorship for “A Madison Symphony Christmas” is provided by American Printing, Fiore Companies, Inc., Richard and Pamela Reese, in memory of Maurice and Arlene Reese, An Anonymous Friend, BMO Harris Bank, Peggy and Tom Pyle, Judith and Nick Topitzes. Additional funding is provided by Flad Architects, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., and Wisconsin Arts Board.
Contact: Peter Rodgers, Director of Marketing
Phone: (608) 260-8680 x226
Mobile: (415) 713-0235
Email: prodgers@madisonsymphony.org
Web: madisonsymphony.org
Link to 23-24 symphony season photos: https://bit.ly/mso23-24symphonyphotos
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