FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 4, 2022
Madison Symphony Orchestra Celebrates its 21-22 Season Finale with an All-Beethoven Concert, “His Greatest Hits” — May 6-8
Garrick Ohlsson returns to the MSO to perform Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto, and John DeMain leads the orchestra presenting Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5
Madison, Wis. – The Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) with Music Director John DeMain perform a Beethoven concert for the ages with a climactic close to the 2021–2022 season.
“His Greatest Hits” features the return of pianist Garrick Ohlsson playing Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major. The program opens with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, and finishes with one of the most famous works of all time, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor.
“Beethoven’s ideas about human dignity and freedom are throughly explored during his revolutionary period, where all three of the great and familiar works on this program originated,” Music Director John DeMain exclaims. “We welcome back one of America’s premier pianists, Garrick Ohlsson, who has given us many unforgettable performances over the years as a titan among his peers. A celebration of Beethoven’s orchestral writing would not be complete without performing his great Symphony No. 5. This symphony is both revolutionary in spirit as well as in composition, from its famous four-note motif, to its last movement so triumphant of the human experience. This all-Beethoven program is a music lover’s dream and will remind us of why to this day Beethoven is regarded as one of the greatest gifts to mankind.”
The MSO will perform with Garrick Ohlsson on Friday, May 6 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, May 7 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. in Overture Hall, 201 State Street.
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 for the May concerts 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.
Three performances of the “His Greatest Hits” concerts will take place May 6, 7, and 8 and ticket prices range from $20 to $98. More information about the March concerts is found at https://madisonsymphony.org/beethoven.
Health & Safety precautions
The Symphony has received overwhelming positive response to the comprehensive safety measures that Overture Center for the Arts throughout the season. Take note that proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Overture Center. MSO will continue to require masks during the performances in Overture Hall. Masks are optional in the lobby and at the post-concert receptions. More information about the many safety protocols can be found at overture.org/health, and madisonsymphony.org/faq.
Money Back Guarantee
The MSO will continue to offer a refund for tickets to any concert that cannot be performed for any reason. The MSO will adhere to all public health guidelines and cooperate with Overture Center for the Arts for the safety of its audiences, musicians and staff. Programs, dates, and artists subject to change.
About Garrick Ohlsson
Garrick Ohlsson has been a commanding presence in the world of piano since winning the Chopin International Piano Competition in 1970. Known for his masterly interpretations of Chopin, Mr. Ohlsson has over 80 concertos in his repertoire, including several commissioned for him. He commands an enormous repertoire, which spans the entire piano literature and includes performances of the works of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and the Romantic repertoire. In the 2018-19 season, he launched a new project exploring the complete solo piano works of Brahms in four different programs spread over two seasons. The cycle is to be performed in New York, San Francisco, Montreal, Los Angeles, London and Tanglewood. Mr. Ohlsson previously performed with the Madison Symphony Orchestra in 2008, 2012, and 2016.
About the Madison Symphony Orchestra
The Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 97th season in 2022–2023. 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 masterworks and top-tier guest artists from around the world. Learn more at madisonsymphony.org
The presenting sponsor for the May concert is Myrna Larson. Major funding is provided by NBC 15, Stephen D. Morton, Diane Ballweg, Kenneth A. Lattman Foundation, Inc., Scott and Janet Cabot, Godfrey Kahn S.C., David and Kato Perlman, and Fred A. Wileman. Additional funding provided by Chuck Bauer and Chuck Beckwith, Ronald J. and Janet E. Johnson, 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 photos: https://madisonsymphony.org/press-room/