FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2021
Madison Symphony Orchestra — September Shift in Programs
“Joyful Reunion, Beethoven’s Ninth” postponed — “String Spirit” announced
Madison, Wis. – The Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has made the difficult decision to postpone its “Joyful Reunion, Beethoven’s Ninth” concerts planned for September 24-26. Because of the new Dane County COVID-19 mandate, MSO deeply regrets that it cannot present the original program. The restrictions are in effect through September 16, well after rehearsals are set to begin for the concerts. The mandate does not allow an exemption for performing artists singing or playing wind and brass instruments without a mask. The MSO has rescheduled this program featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and the Mozart Oboe Concerto, to open its 22/23 Symphony subscription season on September 23, 24 and 25, 2022.
The much-anticipated joyous return to live classical music will still take place. The MSO has announced that a new program entitled “String Spirit” will be presented on two nights in Overture Hall — Friday, September 24th at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, September 25th at 8:00 p.m. The special program is designed with instrumentation that can be performed within the requirements that are currently in effect. “String Spirit” features MSO’s Rhapsodie Quartet in Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro for Strings, and continues with Poulenc’s Concerto for Organ, Timpani and Strings in G minor featuring MSO’s Principal Organist Greg Zelek. Tchaikovsky’s beautiful Serenade for Strings in C major will close the program.
“To say that I’m disappointed that we have to postpone Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, would be an understatement on my part,” Music Director John DeMain expressed. “In keeping with the masking guidelines as they are put forth by our public health agencies, I’m excited to offer a new program featuring our massive string section, our virtuoso organist Greg Zelek, and our great timpanist John Jutsum, as well as our beautiful Rhapsodie Quartet.” Maestro DeMain continues, “The program offers stellar showcases of our incredible Symphony string section, numbering some 60 players. We will perform Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, an immensely popular work inspired by Mozart’s serenades, but composed in Tchaikovsky’s inimitable style so beloved by all of us. The other piece is Edward Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro for string quartet and string orchestra. Elgar was a violinist himself, and this work was written to show off the virtuosity of the string orchestra. For those of you who don’t know the Poulenc Organ Concerto for strings, timpani and solo organ, this is one of his masterpieces. I so look forward to you joining us — joyfully welcoming the Madison Symphony Orchestra back safely to the stage in Overture Hall. I can’t wait to see all of you again.”
Two performances of the new concerts will take place in Overture Hall with special pricing and seating to make the program exciting and highly accessible. Seating in the first four sections will be offered, Orchestra, Parterre, Circle, and Mezzanine (the Balcony will be closed). Ticket prices are $20, 40 and $60. 21/22 Symphony season subscribers can purchase tickets for 50% off (subscribers will be sent a discount code). The concert duration will be approximately 90 minutes — presented without an intermission.
Single tickets for “String Spirit” will go on sale beginning Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. through the Overture Center Box Office. Tickets can be purchased online at overture.org, in-person or by phone during Box Office hours (visit overture.org for current schedule). More information about the special September 24-25 “String Spirit” concerts at madisonsymphony.org/spirit. Please note that tickets for “Joyful Reunion, Beethoven’s Ninth” cannot be used for this new concert.
All ticketholders for the “Joyful Reunion, Beethoven’s Ninth” concerts will be sent refunds for the value of the tickets they purchased. The MSO will continue its money back guarantee policy for tickets to any concert that does not take place as planned. The safety of audiences, musicians, guest artists and its staff is paramount. Overture Center for the Arts requirements and health guidelines will be monitored by MSO throughout the season.
The Symphony has received overwhelming positive response to the extraordinary and comprehensive safety measures that Overture Center for the Arts, and Overture Resident Companies have put in place, that include proof of vaccination and wearing masks. These measures were prepared before the new Dane County mandate went into effect, and go beyond the requirements for other venues such as restaurants. More information about the many safety protocols can be found at overture.org/health, and madisonsymphony.org/faq.
ABOUT THE MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 96th season in 2021–2022. 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
CONTACT:
Peter Rodgers, Director of Marketing
Phone: (608) 260-8680 x226
Mobile: (415) 713-0235
Email: prodgers@madisonsymphony.org
Link to “String Spirit” concert photos: https://bit.ly/msosept2021spirit
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