FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 2, 2024
Madison Symphony Orchestra Presents “The Perfect Pair: Mozart & Mahler” Featuring the Return of Pianist Joyce Yang January 19, 20, and 21, in Overture Hall
Madison, Wis. – The Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is thrilled to present its January concerts, “The Perfect Pair: Mozart & Mahler,” at Overture Hall on January 19, 20, and 21, 2024. The concerts will showcase the talents of Music Director John DeMain and acclaimed pianist Joyce Yang.
The program will open with the delightful Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491, performed by the brilliant Joyce Yang. After intermission, the audience will be treated to the monumental Symphony No. 5 by Gustav Mahler, a work that marked a new phase in the composer’s development.
Returning to the MSO stage, pianist Joyce Yang previously captivated audiences in 2019 with a memorable performance of Prokofiev’s third piano concerto. This time, she takes on one of Mozart’s most tense and serious works for solo piano, promising an evening of musical brilliance.
Music Director John DeMain, celebrating both his 30th anniversary season and a milestone birthday, expresses his excitement about the chosen repertoire: “I have chosen two desert island favorites of mine for the occasion. Joyce Yang played so wonderfully a few seasons ago that I wanted to bring her back immediately. She will play one of the great piano concertos of Mozart. Mozart is considered the perfect pairing with Gustav Mahler, so I have done just that. Treat yourself to the sonic experience of a Mahler symphony and the sublime perfection of a Mozart piano concerto.”
Symphony Concert, Ticket and Event Details
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. All ticket holders are welcome to attend a free half-hour pre-concert talk one hour before each performance by Randal Swiggum in Overture Hall.
Single tickets are on sale now through the Overture Center Box office. 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.
Three performances of the “The Perfect Pair: Mozart & Mahler” concerts will take place January 19, 20 & 21 and ticket prices range from $15 to $102. More information is found at https://madisonsymphony.org/perfect
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 https://overture.org/health, and https://madisonsymphony.org/health
About Joyce Yang
Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang, celebrated for her “poetic and sensitive pianism,” rose to international acclaim by winning the silver medal at the 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at just 19. Known for her virtuosity, lyricism, and interpretive sensitivity, she has performed with major orchestras and chamber musicians globally. Joyce’s accolades include the 2010 Avery Fisher Career Grant and a Grammy nomination for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. Beyond traditional performances, she served as Guest Artistic Director for the Laguna Beach Music Festival, curating concerts exploring the “art-inspires-art” concept. Born in Seoul in 1986, Joyce Yang began her musical journey at four, winning national competitions in South Korea before moving to the U.S. in 1997. A Steinway artist, she continues to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent and commitment to expanding the boundaries of classical music.
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
Presenting Sponsorship for “The Perfect Pair: Mozart & Mahler” is provided by Myrna Larson. Major funding provided by Kenneth A. Lattman Foundation, Inc., Fred Mohs, in memory of Mary Mohs, Boardman Clark Law Firm, David and Kato Perlman, Cyrena and Lee Pondrom, and Fred A. Wileman. Additional funding provided by Scott and Janet Cabot, in honor of John DeMain, and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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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