A Symphony of Gratitude
It is with great appreciation and thanks to you, our subscribers, donors, volunteers, and community partners, that I reflect on the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s 2017–2018 Season. The season featured many memorable performances, most notably those of our fabulous guest artists: pianist Olga Kern, guitarist Sharon Isbin, cellist Alban Gerhardt and violinist Augustin Hadelich returned to our stage, while pianist Christopher O’Riley and the great and long-sought violinist Gil Shaham made their Madison Symphony debuts.
The Members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra displayed their virtuosity in selections from the orchestral repertoire, such as Elgar’s Enigma Variations, which we explored in depth through Beyond the Score®. Our guest singers and choirs and the members of the Madison Symphony Chorus shined beautifully in our Christmas concerts and in our season finale. Kudos to Beverly Taylor and the Chorus for their outstanding work to prepare Janáˇcek’s Glagolitic Mass, a truly “massive” undertaking! On behalf of all the artists, thank you for attending and supporting these concerts. We love performing for you!
With generous donor support, the Symphony touched the lives of thousands of people through our year-long series of education and community engagement programs. From the Youth Concerts to the Up Close & Musical® school visits to the HeartStrings® music therapy-informed sessions, children and adults experienced live performances by members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Through the statewide broadcast of our Bolz Young Artist Competition Final Forte concert, four incredibly gifted young women from Wisconsin inspired people all over the state and beyond through their remarkable display of talent and hard work.
Each year, the orchestra experiences transitions. Among our new members this year were two outstanding principals: organist Greg Zelek and harpist Johanna Wienholts. At the close of the season, we bid farewell to Michael Allsen who retired from the orchestra after 35 years in the trombone section.
We could not share great music with our community without your support. From all of us at the MSO, thank you! I look forward to experiencing beautiful music with you during our exciting 2018–2019 Season.
John DeMain, Music Director
37,841 Audience Members
2,028 Student Rush Tickets
22 Orchestral Masterpieces performed
16 Guest Artists
1,542 New ticket-buying households
1,021 Donors (individuals, businesses, foundations and government agencies)
“I really enjoy classical music and this [MSO performance] was sublime. I could feel the emotions in the music and that is something really special.”
– MSO Subscriber
300 + Volunteers (boards, committees, and members of the Madison Symphony Chorus)
2017–2018 Overture Concert Organ Season
“I’m so glad that my ears have been opened to the organ. I tell all of my friends who are interested in music about this series.”
– Audience member
2,652 Audience Members at 4 ticketed concerts
4 Guest Artists
4,041 People attended 6 free concerts
“We loved being part of a totally captivated audience. The setting of Overture Hall, the magnificent organ and the skill of Greg Zelek all combine for a mezmerizing experience!”
– Audience member
