The
SCORE
FALL 2021 — OCT | NOV | DEC
RAVISHING RHAPSODY Olga Kern Oct. 15–17
GRAND PANORAMA Thomas Mesa Nov. 12–14
Greg Zelek
Save the Date:
Opens the 21/22 Organ Season Tuesday, Oct. 19
Beethoven Chamber Music Birthday Party Thursday, Dec. 16
A MADISON SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS Dec. 3–5
Welcome New Board Members
WELCOME TO OUR FALL SCORE NEWSLETTER
“ Olga Kern has delighted our
ˇ “ Dvorák’s Cello Concerto is the king
“ The first half of the [Christmas]
audiences over the years with her
among cello concertos. It is quite
concert is more classical in nature,
dazzling piano technique and her
symphonic in both structure and
with works by Bach, Rutter, Handel
outstanding musicianship. Her
length. It is beautifully composed
and a few surprises. Our soloist
performance of Rachmaninoff’s
for the instrument and a favorite of
from the orchestra will be our
Variations on a Theme of Paganini
both musicians and concertgoers.
principal flautist Stephanie Jutt.
promises to be authentic in
Thomas Mesa enjoyed such a
The second half of Christmas will
every way.”
huge success a few seasons back,
be filled with songs of the season,
playing with Greg Zelek in the
plus Mt. Zion Gospel choir’s unique
Overture Concert Organ series,
renditions of Christmas carols
that it was inevitable that we
featuring their own array of
had to share his talents with
great soloists.”
Read more on page 3
our symphonic patrons.” Read more on page 5 Read more on page 4
– John DeMain, Music Director
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LIVE MUSIC RETURNS FOR YOU!
CONTENTS Concerts
3-7
Celebrating Your Support
8-9
Madison Symphony Orchestra League
10
Education & Community Engagement
11
News & Stories
12-13
Concerts Continued
14-15
4 5
6
The SCORE is published three to four times per concert season for members and friends of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Subscribe to the print and/or the online edition at madisonsymphony.org/score Editor: Amanda Dill Creative Director: Peter Rodgers Design: Bob Marshall Contributing Writers: Ellsworth Brown, Cathy Buege, Janet Cabot, John DeMain, Casey Oelkers, Leah Schultz, Judy Topitzes, Greg Zelek
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PRINT PARTNER PERFORMANCE PARTNERS Programs, artists and dates subject to change
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Madison Symphony Orchestra 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 460 Madison, WI 53703 Phone (608) 257-3734 Fax (608) 280-6192 madisonsymphony.org info@madisonsymphony.org ©2021 Madison Symphony Orchestra Administrative Staff Executive Director: TBA General Manager: Ann Bowen Office & Personnel Manager: Alexis Carreon Orchestra Librarian: Kathryn Taylor Director of Education & Community Engagement: Kathryn Schwarzmann Education Assistant: Lisa Kjentvet Director of Development: Casey Oelkers Manager of Individual Giving: Leah Schultz Manager of Grants and Corporate Giving: TBA Director of Marketing: Peter Rodgers Marketing/Communications Specialist: Amanda Dill Patron Services Manager: Aaron Krish Principal Organist and Curator of the Overture Concert Organ: Greg Zelek
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Photo Credits: Cover (Christmas); 2 (Orchestra); 5 (Christmas); 6 (Zelek) 11 (Orchestra, Link Up): Peter Rodgers; Cover (Olga Kern) 3 (Olga Kern): Chris Lee; Cover (Thomas Mesa); 4 (Thomas Mesa): Marie Mazzucco; 7 (Bervens): Casey Oelkers: 8 (Snowdon) 11 (Final Forte, Link Up): Amandalynn Jones
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RAVISHING RHAPSODY
OCT
15, 16 & 17
October not only launches our belated celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, but also brings us the much-anticipated return of pianist Olga Kern. Olga has delighted our audiences over the years with her dazzling piano technique and her outstanding musicianship. Her performance of Rachmaninoff’s Variations on a Theme of Paganini promises to be authentic in every way. Rachmaninoff based his Rhapsody on Paganini’s fiendishly difficult 24th Caprice. Woven throughout the piece is Rachmaninoff’s recurring fascination with the Gregorian Dies Irae. continued pg 14
FRI 7:30 PM SAT 8:00 PM SUN 2:30 PM
John DeMain, Conductor Olga Kern, Piano Ravel, Alborada del gracioso Rachmaninoff, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Beethoven, Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, “Eroica”
MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
Myrna Larson Marvin J. Levy Fernando and Carla Alvarado Ann Lindsey and Charles Snowdon Fred and Mary Mohs Nancy Mohs Cyrena and Lee Pondrom Peggy and Tom Pyle Kay Schwichtenberg and Herman Baumann
“Kern’s performance is charismatic and dazzling, and tender when it ought to be.”
ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
– Jessica Courtier, The Cap Times
James and Joan Johnston
with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts
PROGRAM NOTES EXCERPT
[Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3] was originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, but Beethoven angrily crossed out the title when Napoleon had himself crowned Emperor, and the dedication was changed to celebrate “the memory of a great man.” This bold symphony expresses heroism throughout, from the vast opening and the solemn funeral march, through a blazing scherzo, and the enormous finale. – Michael Allsen
DISCOVER MORE madisonsymphony.org/kern 4
GRAND PANORAMA
NOV
12, 13 & 14
November brings us a rich and diverse concert featuring the MSO debut of Cuban-American cellist Thomas Mesa, the first performance by the MSO of African-American composer George Walker’s immensely popular Lyric for Strings, and a dazzling multimedia presentation of Ferde Grofé’s legendary Grand Canyon Suite. Enjoy the many visual and musical moods of the canyon, including the famous “On the Trail” theme depicting a donkey traversing the canyon paths. continued pg 14
FRI 7:30 PM SAT 8:00 PM SUN 2:30 PM
John DeMain, Conductor Thomas Mesa, Cello Honegger, Rugby Dvořák, Cello Concerto in B minor Walker, Lyric for String Orchestra Grofé, Grand Canyon Suite Synchronized imagery assembled by Stephen Lias
MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
John A. Johnson Foundation, a component fund of the Madison Community Foundation Howard Kidd and Margaret Murphy Elaine and Nicholas Mischler
ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
Skofronick Family Charitable Trust Dr. Thomas and Leslie France
with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts
“. . . Mr. Mesa’s playing had a musical intensity that was commanding in every detail.” – New York Concert Review
PROGRAM NOTES EXCERPT
Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite is certainly one of the most famous musical works inspired by the American landscape. Beginning with sections that depict a glorious sunrise and the shimmering heat of the Painted Desert, Grofé moves to a humorous donkey ride and a lonesome cowboy song, before ending with a quiet sunset and a ferocious thunderstorm. – Michael Allsen DISCOVER MORE madisonsymphony.org/panorama 5
“It was more fabulous than I imagined. Definitely 5 shiny stars!” – MSO Subscriber
DEC 3, 4 & 5
FRI 7:30 PM SAT 8:00 PM SUN 2:30 PM
A MADISON SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS Ho, Ho, Ho, it’s that time of the year again, when winter is upon us, sleigh bells ring, and our fireplaces are providing us comfort and beauty, not to mention our kitchen tables. Madison Symphony’s truly spectacular Christmas concert returns with almost all of the ingredients in place. Joining the fabulous Madison Symphony Chorus is the Mount Zion Gospel Choir . . . continued pg 15
John DeMain, Conductor Elizabeth Caballero, Soprano Jared Esguerra, Tenor Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director Madison Youth Choirs, Michael Ross, Artistic Director Mount Zion Gospel Choir, Tamera and Leotha Stanley, Directors
Jared Esguerra, Tenor
MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
Richard and Pamela Reese,
in memory of Maurice and Arlene Reese
Judith and Nick Topitzes
An Anonymous Friend
ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
Flad Architects J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc. Hooper Foundation Reinhart Boerner van Deuren s.c.
with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts
LEARN MORE madisonsymphony.org/christmas 6
JOIN US…
50 minutes before each concert to share the spirit of the holiday season singing carols along with our Madison Symphony Chorus!
Elizabeth Caballero, Soprano
TUE.
OCT 19 2021 7:30 PM
“Zelek was physically animated throughout the performance. His hands flew across three levels of keyboards while his feet worked the pedalboard like somebody playing Dance Dance Revolution in an arcade.” – Howard Hardee, Wisconsin State Journal
GREG ZELEK
Subscribe or buy single tickets!
Charles-Marie Widor’s Sixth Organ Symphony is one of his most famous, and for good reason! This five-movement masterpiece includes two of his most performed movements of all of his symphonies (other than his often played Toccata) and is a work of grand symphonic proportion. Before diving into this tour de force, I open the concert with a transcription of Elgar’s Nimrod from his Enigma Variations in reflection of the challenging past year. — Greg Zelek
Greg Zelek, Organ Elgar, ‘Nimrod’ from Enigma Variations Widor, Organ Symphony No. 6 in G minor MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
Gale Meyer Jane Hamblen and Robert Lemanske Gerald and Shirley Spade Greg Zelek is the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Organist and the Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ.
DISCOVER MORE madisonsymphony.org/zelek
All single tickets to this performance are just $20. Or, subscribe to all four 21/22 organ performances for just $63! Learn more about the season and subscribe now at madisonsymphony.org/ organ.
21/22 Overture Concert Organ Season Performances Reginald Mobley, countertenor and Greg Zelek, organ February 15, 2022 Isabelle Demers, organ March 15, 2022 Greg Zelek and the Diapason Brass & Timpani May 20, 2022
Learn more about these performances and our Overture Concert Organ at madisonsymphony.org/organ.
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News & Stories
CELEBRATING YOUR SUPPORT ANNOUNCING THE BARBARA AND NORMAN BERVEN PRINCIPAL CLARINET CHAIR We are thrilled to announce that the Madison Symphony
Orchestra’s
Principal
Clarinet
chair has been endowed and named with a generous gift from Barbara and Norman Berven. The Barbara and Norman Berven Chair is currently held by JJ Koh, who joined the orchestra as Principal Clarinet in 2016. Barbara and Norman decided to endow this chair as a joint 10th anniversary gift to each other. Barbara has fond memories of playing the clarinet as a youth, thus their decision to select this chair from among several available naming opportunities. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful symphony orchestra, organ and concert hall here in Madison, and we definitely feel that the Symphony deserves our support,” says Norman. “We want to do our part to help ensure that the Madison Symphony Orchestra remains a vibrant part of Madison’s cultural arts offerings for generations to come.” Barbara is president-elect of the Madison Symphony Orchestra League (MSOL) and co-chair of the 2022 Symphony Gala. The Bervens subscribe to the Symphony and Overture Concert Organ series and regularly participate in MSOL events. Aside from their Symphony involvement, Norman and Barbara are both Attic Angel volunteers, they audit a class every semester at UW-Madison, and they have season tickets for Badger football, basketball, hockey and volleyball. Please join us in thanking the Bervens for their generous gift! To learn about endowment naming opportunities, please visit madisonsymphony.org/endowchair or call Casey Oelkers, Director of Development, at (608) 260-8680 x228.
A SYMPHONY OF GRATITUDE TO SUPPORTERS OF THE 2020-2021 SEASON All of us at the Madison Symphony Orchestra wish to express our deepest gratitude to those who donated the value of their tickets for canceled concerts or made outright gifts of financial support between March 2020 and early 2021. In addition to generous contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations, the Symphony also received significant government support in the form of two PPP loans, an Employee Retention Credit, and a National Endowment for the Arts CARES grant. With this extraordinary support, Madison Symphony Orchestra Inc. was able to maintain regular communications with our patrons, produce virtual concerts and other digital content, keep our entire administrative staff employed, and provide full relief support to all contracted members of the orchestra for all canceled services between April 2020 and June 2021. The Symphony closed its FY2021 books on solid financial footing. We look forward to welcoming our audiences and musicians back for live concerts this fall, and to a more “normal” season in 2021-2022!
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CELEBRATING YOUR SUPPORT
News & Stories
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: ANN LINDSEY & CHARLES SNOWDON Ann Lindsey and Charles (Chuck) Snowdon are generous annual contributors to the Symphony. Their support has included several concert sponsorships, and this year they are major sponsors of our October concerts featuring Olga Kern. Chuck, a professor emeritus of biological psychology, and Ann, retired from a career in management and technical training and organizational dynamics, have each had a longtime appreciation for classical music. They started attending MSO concerts together in 1991. “Early in my life in Madison, I drove to Chicago to hear the Chicago Symphony on a regular basis,” says Chuck. “After John DeMain was hired to lead the Madison Symphony, I realized I could hear great music right here at home.” Over the years, Ann and Chuck have become increasingly involved with — and increasingly supportive of — local and community-based arts organizations. “We value having highquality arts and cultural organizations in our community and we really enjoy our personal involvement as volunteers and contributors,” says Ann. “When I became involved with the Madison Symphony Orchestra League in 2004 (serving as League President from 2007-2009), Chuck and I got to know some wonderful new people with diverse and interesting professional backgrounds. Our lives were enriched as we found a broader community outside of our own careers.” Ann has served on the MSO Board since 2007. Both Ann and Chuck are Advisors on the MSOL Board and members of the MSOL Connect and Parties of Note committees. Annually, they help sponsor the Symphony Gala and attend the summer Concert on the Green at Bishops Bay. They have often made tribute gifts to honor life events of their Symphony friends and they are members of the MSO’s Stradivarius Society (legacy giving). This year, they are happy to be sponsoring Olga Kern’s October performances. “We have been concert sponsors for each of Olga Kern’s appearances here and are pleased to sponsor her again this season,” says Chuck. “We appreciate her immense artistic ability and enjoy her personal warmth and style. And we are interested in supporting female artists. At her most recent Madison appearance, we introduced her to two young musician friends. She was very encouraging of them in pursuing careers in music. Today, both are in college and majoring in music performance. We were impressed that Ms. Kern was so willing to provide encouragement to young performers. We’re excited that she will be returning to play with the Madison Symphony in 2021 after her scheduled performance in 2020 was canceled!” In addition to their significant support of the Symphony, Chuck and Ann are also enthusiastic supporters of Madison Opera, Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras and American Players Theatre, among others. Their other interests include Scottish dance, international travel and expanding their horizons through book discussion groups. They reside in the Parkwood Hills neighborhood on the west side of Madison. Thank you, Ann and Chuck, for your dedication to the Symphony!
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News & Stories
MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE NEWS BRIDGE GROUPS Both the MSOL Men’s Bridge and the MSOL Ladies Bridge are beginning play again this fall, meeting at one of the local country clubs for lunch and an afternoon of bridge. The Men’s Bridge meets on the first Thursday of the month, and the Ladies Bridge meets on the third Tuesday of each month. We welcome new players to these groups at any time during the year. For more information, please contact Jim Patch jimpatch@hotmail.com or Marilyn Ebben mvebben@gmail.com.
MSOL FALL LUNCHEON Part of the Madison community since 1956, the Madison Symphony Orchestra League (MSOL) Is an organization of more than 350 members committed to supporting the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s artistic, financial and educational mission.
Friday, October 29 | 11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. | Blackhawk Country Club
Discover more: madisonsymphony.org/ msol
go-to source for the most up-to-date information
opens for parties on a rolling basis each month.
on the Symphony and the MSOL. The League has a
The website is the only way to register for
Our annual Fall Luncheon returns to Blackhawk Country Club on October 29! Sophia Jiang, a winner of The Final Forte, will be the musical guest. Tickets are $25 and guests are welcome. Learn more and RSVP by October 19 at madisonsymphony.org/msol.
ENGAGE WITH THE LEAGUE ONLINE The Madison Symphony Orchestra’s website is your
dedicated page. Here’s what you can find: • Announcements for upcoming events including
• Information about Parties of Note; registration
parties this year. • Password-protected link to the Member
MSOL Connect, Concert on the Green, and the
Directory; the link can be found under Benefits
Symphony Gala.
of Membership. For the password, members
• Links to past MSOL Connect events; watch the
can email msol@madisonsymphony.org.
one-hour programs for the first time or enjoy
With events and information refreshed regularly,
them again.
our web page is the best place to discover MSOL
• Ability to join the League or renew membership; just one click will take you to the page.
offerings and ensure you don’t miss any news or events. Bookmark madisonsymphony.org/msol.
PARTIES OF NOTE 2021 COMMITTEE ADAPTS AND GROWS
Save the Date: Holiday Party Wednesday, December 8 Maple Bluff Country Club
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MSOL’s Parties of Note Committee did all of its
Judy Topitzes, Chair of the Parties of Note
planning and management with numerous Zoom
Committee for the last three years, is turning over the
meetings, e-mails, and phone calls from May 2020.
chairmanship to Linda Lovejoy for planning of the
It re-scheduled 12 Parties from 2020 and added
2022 season. Jessica Yehle is stepping down after
an additional five — see madisonsymphony.org/
having spent many hours managing registrations
parties. Many parties, both new and re-scheduled,
for parties. Mark Thomas chaired a sub-committee
have been sold out. The generosity of guests who
to streamline the new online registration format.
donated for canceled 2020 parties or rescheduled
Chuck Snowdon and Janet Cabot created the
parties in 2021, along with our fantastic hosts and
text for announcement of the Parties of Note in a
sponsors, has resulted in an especially successful
mailing and on the madisonsymphony.org/parties
fundraising season. The popularity of Parties
website. Committee members, many of whom
of Note continues as we see MSO and MSOL
served as both sponsors and/or party liaisons, are
supporters eager to gather again!
the following: Mark and Daria Thomas, Ledell Zellers,
Because of the uncertainty surrounding the
Carolyn White, Darlene Olson, Ann Lindsey and
COVID pandemic, the Parties of Note Committee
Chuck Snowdon, Don Sanford, Christine Ramkey,
created a staggered roll-out of on-site registrations
Beth Rahko, Marilyn Ebben, Jessica Yehle, Janet
for parties. Each event is opened for registration
Cabot, and Linda Abelman.
about six to eight weeks before each event. Some
Visit madisonsymphony.org/parties for the
hosts and sponsors have requested that all guests
latest availability. Stay tuned for information on
be fully vaccinated.
2022 Parties of Note!
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
News & Stories
21/22 YOUTH CONCERTS & COMPETITIONS Each year, our award-winning education programs reach thousands of students in Dane County and beyond. Young artist competitions and young people’s concerts are two core partnerships with local schools which build the foundation for children to have a life-long relationship with music. Learn more about our youth concert & competition schedule below and on our website at madisonsymphony.org/education. Upcoming Events • Fall Youth Concerto Competition: Saturday October 16, 2021 • Bolz Young Artist Competition Preliminary Rounds: Friday, January 14, 2022 (evening) and Saturday, January 15, 2022 • Bolz Young Artist Competition
All schools are invited to attend our first youth concert offering of the school year, the MSO’s Young People’s Concert, on Thursday, April 14, 2022 in Overture Hall. This concert will be open to and designed for students in upper elementary, middle and high school this year. The Bolz Young Artist
Semi-Final Round:
Competition is our high
Thursday, January 27, 2022 (evening)
school level competition,
• The Final Forte: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 • Young People’s Concert: Thursday, April 14, 2022 • Symphony Soup Concerts: Tuesday, May 17, 2022 • Link Up Concerts: Thursday, May 19, 2022
with the final round broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin in The Final Forte. Winners perform for an audience of their peers the next day in the Young People’s Concert. Symphony Soup is the capstone performance of our Up Close & Musical® program and is a special way for students in Kindergarten through third grade to learn about classical music through the experience of a live symphony concert. The MSO’s Hunt Quartet visits local classrooms throughout Dane County, providing interactive lessons and performances that help children “hunt” for the elements of music. Link Up is a music education program created by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute that gives students in grades 3-5 the opportunity to explore music through a yearlong curriculum of classroom activities during which they learn to play the soprano recorder. A culminating concert brings the students into Overture’s Capitol Theater to perform with the MSO.
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News & Stories
MSO MUSICIAN NEWS
RHAPSODIE QUARTET RETURNS TO LIVE MUSIC AT OLBRICH GARDENS Beautiful music on a beautiful summer evening in a beautiful
This free, outdoor performance was
setting. What could be better?
attended by an attentive audience of
The Olbrich Botanical Gardens Thai Garden was the perfect setting for a concert presented by the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Rhapsodie Quartet on Friday, July 16. This exhilarating concert marked the first live performance by Madison Symphony Orchestra musicians since March of 2020! The Rhapsodie Quartet, comprised of Suzanne Beia and Laura Burns, violin, Chris Dozoryst, viola, and Karl Lavine, cello, is the resident ensemble of MSO’s award-winning HeartStrings® Community Engagement Program and annually performs several full-length recitals in community venues. “It was exciting to be back among friends, colleagues, and
approximately 115 people who enjoyed the music from their picnic blankets or lawn chairs. The shimmering Thai Sala (pavilion), overlooking the fountain and landscaping, served as a stunning stage for the Quartet. “Sharing great music with an enthusiastic audience is one of the greatest joys a musician can experience, and sharing it, surrounded by beauty on the most perfect evening of the year, after sixteen months of pandemic-induced deprivation increased that joy by a nearly unimaginable degree,” said Beia. To read more and view photos from the evening, visit madisonsymphony.org/rhapsodie.
audience! A joyful reunion indeed!” said Dozoryst.
BACH DANCING & DYNAMITE SOCIETY CONNECTS WITH MUSIC LOVERS DURING JUNE FESTIVAL Stephanie Jutt, principal flutist of the Madison Symphony
on-demand concerts, recorded in Madison and San Antonio,
Orchestra and co-founder and artistic director of the Bach
Texas, were also presented.
Dancing & Dynamite Society, produced an innovative and successful chamber music festival during the month of June. Entitled “Brave New World,” the 30th season featured
In addition, a new program called “Yours Truly” offered oneon-one musical conversations with individual audience members over Zoom.
the BDDS Bandwagon- twelve live, free, pop-up community
Finally, BDDS has presented more than a hundred one-on-
concerts in neighborhoods all over Madison with stirring music
one concerts by BDDS artists, via Zoom technology, for patients
by Black composers Jessie Montgomery, Margaret Bonds, and
in hospitals, hospice, and memory care.
Robert Owens; Latin composers Astor Piazzolla and Alberto
Stephanie Jutt remarked, “We’ve all been through an
Ginastera; and favorites by Mozart, George Gershwin, Leonard
incredibly difficult year, but our festival has pivoted to bring joy,
Bernstein. Over 600 fans and passers-by were treated to
comfort, and inspiration throughout the pandemic, not only to our
free concerts—many of them hearing live music for the first
audience but to the musicians as well.”
time since the pandemic began. As part of the festival, four
SAVE THE DATE Happy (Belated 250th) Birthday Beethoven! Chamber Music Concert & Birthday Party December 16, 2021 Overture Center Playhouse Join us for a marathon set of concerts featuring Beethoven’s greatest chamber works performed by MSO Musicians and special guest artists. Sponsored by Myrna Larson. More details will be shared this fall at madisonsymphony.org.
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UPCOMING MSO MUSICIAN PERFORMANCES Arbor Vitae String Quartet
Just Bach featured on ‘Music at Midday’ at
November 21, 7:00 p.m.,
Luther Memorial Church
Arts + Literature Laboratory
Now in its 4th season of free half-hour Bach
The Arbor Vitae String Quartet, with MSO
concerts, Just Bach presents cantatas, instrumental
violinists Leanne League and Xavier Pleindoux,
solos and chamber music, ending each program
MSO violist Jen Clare Paulson and cellist Eric
with the popular Chorale Sing-along. Please join
Miller will perform a program of string quartet
us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month: Oct 20,
music titled American Dreams on November 21
Nov 17, Dec 15, Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 20, May
at 7:00 PM at the Arts + Literature Laboratory
18, all at 12:00 Noon. MSO players performing in
in
Peter
this series include Linda Pereksta, piccolo, Andrea
Schickele’s String Quartet No. 1, “American
Gross Hixon, oboe, Leanne League, violin, and
Dreams”, George Walker’s Lyric for Strings, and
Marika Fischer Hoyt, viola. Attend in-person, watch
Antonín Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 12 in F Major,
the livestream from home, or view the concert
“American”. For more information, you can
videos on the Just Bach YouTube channel. Please
find Arbor Vitae String Quartet on Facebook.
visit justbach.org for more information.
Madison.
The
program
includes
MSO ADMINISTRATION NEWS
News & Stories
RICK MACKIE RETIREMENT On June 30, the Madison Symphony Orchestra bade farewell to its Executive Director of 22 years, Rick Mackie. During his time with the Symphony, Rick oversaw the orchestra’s move into Overture Hall and the installation of the Overture Concert Organ. He expanded the Symphony’s performance schedule from two-concert weekends to triples. Rick is a program builder and was instrumental in the creation, establishment, enhancement or inclusion of programs such as MSO’s award-winning HeartStrings® artsin-healthcare community engagement program, “The Final Forte” statewide broadcast partnerships with PBS Wisconsin and WPR, Carnegie Hall’s Link Up education program and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s “Beyond the Score®” multi-media series. Rick successfully led the organization through the recession of 2008, built and mentored a strong team of arts administrators, and graciously delayed his retirement to guide the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. The MSO Board of Directors established the Richard H. Mackie Catalyst Fund as the repository for all gifts made in Rick’s honor. The Fund will support the MSO’s future Education & Community Engagement Programs and will provide catalyst funding for new initiatives to expand the Symphony’s reach as the organization approaches its 100th anniversary season in 2025-2026. As this newsletter goes to press, 107 donors have contributed $98,300 to the Catalyst Fund. Contributions will continue to be accepted. To add your contribution, mail a check payable to Madison Symphony Orchestra or donate online at madisonsymphony.org/mackie. A Festive Retirement Celebration honoring Rick, originally scheduled for August 20, has been put on hold for the time being.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH UPDATE A search is underway for the MSO’s next Executive Director. The search committee, chaired by Ellsworth Brown, Board President, also includes Janet Cabot, Bob Dinndorf, Terry Haller, Elaine Mischler, Rick Morgan, Doug Reuhl, Derrick Smith, Leotha Stanley, Judy Topitzes, and Rolf Wulfsberg. “I deeply appreciate their willingness to serve. They represent a variety of perspectives and experience: all are affiliated with MSO in some way; two are Orchestra members, including one from the MSO Players Committee; one is a member of the Chorus; several are past presidents; several have decades of experience with MSO in music or management; some have personal experience in searches; and some have direct experience with non-profit organizations,” Brown says. “I am confident that this broad mix of knowledge, points of view, and related experiences will serve MSO well during this search.” A contract with an identified search firm will occur very soon, after which the committee’s work will begin in earnest and last approximately three months.
WELCOME NEW MSO BOARD MEMBERS The MSO is pleased to announce the addition of ten new board
Dr. James Dahlberg, Professor Emeritus of
members in 2021, including eight new members as directors and
Biomolecular Chemistry at UW–Madison
two new members as advisors. We are thrilled to welcome these
Marc Fink, Principal oboist of the
accomplished locals to serve as leaders of our organization.
Madison Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years
These individuals will help us work towards accomplishing and
Oscar Mireles, Published poet and editor and
fulfilling our mission through our programming and more. Learn
2016-17 Madison Poet Laureate
more about each of our new board members below and at
Michael Richman, Attorney and adjunct professor of
madisonsymphony.org/2021board.
bankruptcy law at UW–Madison
DIRECTORS:
Stephen White, Managing Director at BMO Harris Bank
Ruben Anthony, Jr., President and CEO of the
ADVISORS:
Urban League of Greater Madison
Camille Carter, President and CEO of the
Jessica Cavazos, President and CEO of the
Madison Black Chamber of Commerce
Latino Chamber of Commerce
Abigail Ochberg, Lecturer of Mathematics at
Kimila Daniels, Vice President and
Madison College
Chief Administrative Officer for Quartz Health Solutions, Inc. 13
News & Stories
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER CONCERTS
RAVISHING RHAPSODY
continued
Our program opens with Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso or “Morning Song of a Jester.” Although Ravel was raised in France and we think of him as one of the great French Impressionist composers, his mother was Basque, and Ravel remained close to his Spanish roots which is so often represented in his music. Ravel was a master orchestrator and here is a shining example of his prowess. Most of the most popular works of Beethoven stem from his revolutionary period or linked closely with those sentiments. Beethoven was a musical revolutionary as well, and the Eroica is a shining example of his originality. Beethoven also demanded undivided attention when listening to his music, and to accomplish that, just listen to the arresting opening chords of this colossal symphony. Beethoven’s revolutionary spirit is everywhere present as he originally dedicated this work to Napoleon, who, at that time, was revolting against the French monarchy. Later, when Napoleon appointed himself emperor, Beethoven rescinded the dedication. The 3rd symphony is monumental in its construction, and powerful at every moment along the way in its musical sentiment. I hope you will begin this season-long celebration by joining us for these concerts. – John DeMain
GRAND PANORAMA
continued
Dvořák’s Cello Concerto is the king among cello concertos. It is quite symphonic in both structure and length. It is beautifully composed for the instrument and a favorite of both musicians and concertgoers. Thomas Mesa enjoyed such a huge success a few seasons back, playing with Greg Zelek in the Overture Concert Organ series, that it was inevitable that we had to share his talents with our symphonic patrons. George Walker’s Lyric for Strings, like Barber’s Adagio for Strings, was originally written for string quartet and later orchestrated for the full complement of symphonic strings. It has become deeply associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, and like the Adagio, is very beautiful. Rounding out this eclectic and varied program is Honegger’s Rugby, also a first performance by the MSO. Suffice to say, it is Honegger’s musical depiction of a rugby match with all its rough and tumble tackles and passes, and a short celebration of victory at the end. These performances are dedicated to my colleague and friend of 22 years, Rick Mackie, who recently retired as our Executive Director. This is a favorite of Rick’s, and I hope you enjoy it as well. – John DeMain
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DECEMBER CONCERT
A MADISON SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS
News & Stories
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. . . a huge hit with our audiences. Plus, the stunning teenage component of Madison Youth Choirs, who have dazzled us year after year, will be back singing alone and with the Madison Symphony Chorus throughout the concert. Our soloists this year feature two debuts with the orchestra. Elizabeth Caballero, soprano, is a huge favorite with Madison Opera audiences. Her glorious soprano has taken her on a truly international journey singing in the world’s great opera houses. Newcomer, tenor Jared Esguerra, is a recent discovery of mine. This young tenor has a huge dramatic voice and I can’t wait for you to thrill in his glorious vocal instrument. The first half of the concert is more classical in nature, with works by Bach, Rutter, Handel and a few surprises. Our soloist from the orchestra will be our principal flautist Stephanie Jutt. The second half of Christmas will be filled with songs of the season, plus Mt. Zion’s unique gospel style renditions of Christmas carols featuring their own array of great soloists. And, of course, our annual Christmas Carol sing-along with everyone on stage and all of you in the audience. This joyous and beloved concert is simply the best way to usher in the holiday season. – John DeMain
EMBRACE YOUR PASSION FEEL IT LIVE BUY SINGLE TICKETS
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Symphony tickets: $20–$98
Symphony subscriptions available now through 11/19/21 New subscribers save up to 50%
Beyond the Score®: $18–$74 Organ tickets: All Tickets $20 madisonsymphony.org the Overture Box Office, 201 State Street or (608) 258-4141
Organ subscriptions available now through 10/11/21 Learn more, discover benefits, and subscribe at madisonsymphony.org or (608) 258-4141
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222 W. Washington Ave. Suite 460 Madison, WI 53703
21/22 SYMPHONY SEASON OCT 15–17
21/22 ORGAN SEASON OCT 19
RAVISHING RHAPSODY
Ravel | Rachmaninoff | Beethoven
NOV 12–14 DEC 3–5
Marc Fink
JAN 21–23
Olga Kern Thomas Mesa
MAR 11–13
Greg Zelek, Organ Elgar | Widor
Our 20/21 season is your opportunity to celebrate the 250th birthday FEB GREG ZELEK & GRAND PANORAMA of Conductor, Ludwig vanThomas Beethoven share the excitement of music that made John DeMain, Mesa,and Cello 15 REGINALD MOBLEY
one of the most beloved composers ever. Beyond Beethoven’s Greg Zelek,great Organ Honegger | him Dvořák | Walker violin concerto and treasures of the most popular works Reginald from his Mobley, Heroic Countertenor Period, you’ll experience masterpieces by Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Purcell Dvořák, | Bach | Handel | Price | Gershwin | Hogan A MADISON SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS Rachmaninoff, Ravel and more! To mark this special occasion, we’ve invited John DeMain, Conductor many ofJared your Esguerra, favorite top-tier guest artists to MAR join us. This is a celebration Elizabeth Caballero, ISABELLE DEMERS you’ll remember forever.Youth EveryChoirs, concert is an “Ode to Joy” in its own way. Organ Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Isabelle Demers, 15 Mt. Zion Gospel Choir Mendelssohn | Davies | Laurin | Bach | Alkan You can view our 20/21 season Stravinsky Gil Shaham 20/21
PREMIERE DEBUT
John DeMain, Conductor Kelly Hall-Tompkins, Violin, Greg Zelek, Organ
SEASON
Kabalevsky | Marsalis | Saint-Saëns
FEB 13
GREG ZELEK
B E E T H OV E N & B E YO N D
John DeMain, Conductor, Olga Kern, Piano
BEYOND THE SCORE® STRAVINSKY: NOV 13–15 THE RITE OF SPRING
John DeMain, Conductor James Ridge, Kelsey Brennan, Jonathan Smoots
GIL SHAHAM PLAYS MAR 12–14 THE BEETHOVEN VIOLIN CONCERTO B E E T H OV E N & B E YO N D John DeMain, Conductor, Gil Shaham, Violin
brochure and subcribe online now!
MAY
GREG ZELEK, with the DIAPASON
Visit madisonsymphony.org/20-21 20 BRASS and TIMPANI or call (608) 257-3734. Greg Zelek, Organ
John Alley, Trumpet
We welcome the opportunity Mark Hetzler, Trombone to answer questions and assist Linda Kimball, Horn Onstad, you with your Matthew renewal or new Trumpet subscription. Joshua Biere, Tuba Garrick Ohlsson
John Jutsum. Timpani Gigout | Rachmaninoff | Elgar | DiLorenzo | Dinda J.S. Bach | Sullivan | Guilmant
Rachmaninoff | Kodály | Beethoven
APR 8–10
MISSA SOLEMNIS
“The musicians and I can’t wait John DeMain, Conductor, New subscribers SAV E UP TO 50 % ! you back to our concerts Naha Greenholtz, Violin, Madison Symphony Chorus to welcome James Ehnes Subscriptions available now. Sara Duchovnay, Briana Hunter, Clay Hilley, in Overture Hall!” Kenneth Kellogg Haydn | Beethoven
MAY 6–8
DI S COV E R MOR E & S UBS C R I BE : madisonsymphony.org/20-21
– John DeMain
HIS GREATEST HITS John DeMain, Conductor, Garrick Ohlsson, Piano Programs, dates, and artists subject to change. PHOTOS: (Kern): Chris Lee; (Mesa): Lisa Marie-Mazzucco; Beethoven
madisonsymphony.org
(Shaham): Luke Ratray; (Ehnes): Benjamin Ealovega; (Ohlsson): Dario Acosta; (Fink, DeMain): Peter Rodgers; (Greenholtz): Chris Hynes
Naha Greenholtz