FRONT COVER
YOUR GUIDE TO THE 2026|2027 SEASON!
LAURA JACKSON | MUSIC DIRECTOR DESIGNATE
WELCOME
MUSIC DIRECTOR DESIGNATE NOVEMBER 6, 7 & 8, 2026 MAY 7, 8 & 9, 2027
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OPENING NIGHT WITH JOSHUA BELL
JOSHUA BELL
Friday, September 18, 2026 • 6:00 pm Overture Hall John DeMain, Music Director Emeritus Joshua Bell*, Violin DUKAS The Sorcerer’s Apprentice LALO Symphonie espagnole MASSENET Meditation from “Thaïs” RAVEL Boléro
“A thoroughly serious, intelligent musician,” raves the Financial Times of London. The Boston Herald declares his playing is “direct, honest and a joy to hear.” Audiences around the globe have cheered the phenomenal Joshua Bell. *Management for Joshua Bell: Park Avenue Artists & Booking for Joshua Bell: Primo Artists
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Joel and Kathryn Belaire
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THE LION KING
FILM LIVE IN CONCERT
Sunday, September 20, 2026 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall Kyle Knox, Resident Conductor
THE LION KING
Music by ELTON JOHN Lyrics by TIM RICE Score by HANS ZIMMER (OSCAR WINNER) Arrangements by LEBO M (GRAMMY WINNER) © Disney
Disney’s 1994 animated classic presented on a giant screen at Overture Hall with the music performed live to film by the MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
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MAJOR PERFORMANCE SPONSOR
Madison Symphony Orchestra League
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Overture Concert Organ Series
ALL BACH
FIRST-EVER
MATINEE
WITH GREG ZELEK
GREG ZELEK
Sunday, September 27, 2026 2:30 pm Overture Hall Greg Zelek, Organ The new Organ season begins with the first ever Sunday matinee concert featuring masterworks by Johann Sebastian Bach. Experience profound and thundering works from the organ repertoire, showcasing Bach’s enduring humanity.
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MAJOR SPONSORS Fernando and Carla Alvarado, Sue and Ellis Bauman, Jane Hamblen and Robert F. Lemanske, Peter and Leslie Overton, Walter & Karen Pridham Charitable Fund ADDITIONAL SPONSOR
Shirley Spade, in memory of Gerald Spade
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PRICE LEVEL A Classical Concerts $99 A Madison Symphony Christmas $104 Organ Concerts $41 MSO at the Movies $90
B $72 $77 $32 $77
C D $54 $36 $59 $41 $23 NA $68 $50
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BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL SYMPHONY
Friday, October 16, 2026 • 7:30 pm KYLE Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 7:30 pm KNOX Sunday, October 18, 2026 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall Kyle Knox, Resident Conductor Naha Greenholtz, Violin
NAHA GREENHOLTZ
L. BOULANGER D’un matin de printemps VIVALDI “Autumn” from The Four Seasons PIAZZOLLA Primavera Porteña “Spring” from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires HINDEMITH Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Carl Maria von Weber BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
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PRESENTING SPONSOR
Myrna Larson
MAJOR SPONSORS Diane Ballweg, Scott and Janet Cabot, Madison Symphony Orchestra League, Skofronick Family Charitable Trust, Komoroske Family and Friends, in memory of John Komoroske ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Dr. Thomas and Leslie France, Barbara J. Merz, Fredrick and Karen Schrank
CYO Subscription Benefits
Customize your symphony experience with a Choose Your Own Subscription. Mix and match three or more concerts and save up to 10% off regular ticket prices!
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Preview Concert
LAURA JACKSON CONDUCTS TCHAIKOVSKY
LAURA JACKSON
Friday, November 6, 2026 • 7:30 pm Saturday, November 7, 2026 • 7:30 pm Sunday, November 8, 2026 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall
Laura Jackson, Music Director Designate Joyce Yang, Piano
JOYCE YANG
CARLOS SIMON AMEN! RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 2 TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 4
“I am deeply honored and thrilled to return to Madison as Music Director Designate. I can’t wait to make music with the wonderful musicians of the MSO and to build vibrant and meaningful experiences for this community through symphonic music in the years ahead.” —LAURA JACKSON
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PRESENTING SPONSOR
Marvin J. Levy
MAJOR SPONSORS Capitol Lakes, Fred Mohs, in memory of Mary Mohs, Richman and Richman LLC, Kay Schwichtenberg and Herman Baumann, Nick and Judith Topitzes Family Foundation
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Overture Concert Organ Series
LUCRECIA AND THE CELIA CRUZ ALL-STARS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CELIA CRUZ WITH GREG ZELEK
LUCRECIA
Thursday, November 19, 2026 • 7:30 pm Overture Hall Greg Zelek, Organ Lucrecia, Guest Artist Celia Cruz All-Stars, Guest Artists GREG ZELEK
A vibrant celebration honoring the Celia Cruz centennial. Greg Zelek joins Lucrecia and the Celia Cruz All-Stars to bring the energy, rhythm, and spirit of Cruz’s music to Overture Hall. A blend of cultures and languages, it promises to be a joyful tribute through the universal power of music.
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PRESENTING SPONSOR MAJOR SPONSOR
Kay Schwichtenberg and Herman Baumann
Kimberly Santiago and José J. Madera
ADDITIONAL SPONSOR
Charles McLimans and Dr. Richard Merrion
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Celebrate the Season
A MADISON SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS
MADISON YOUTH CHOIRS
Friday, December 4, 2026 • 7:30 pm Saturday, December 5, 2026 • 7:30 pm Sunday, December 6, 2026 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall John DeMain, Music Director Emeritus Renée Richardson, Soprano Demetrious Sampson Jr., Tenor Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, Tamera & Leotha Stanley, Directors Madison Youth Choirs, Michael Ross, Artistic Director
RENÉE RICHARDSON
MADISON SYMPHONY CHORUS
It’s Madison’s favorite holiday musical tradition. Bring family and friends and celebrate the season with the Madison Symphony. Carols, classics, and sparkling holiday favorites – there’s even a visit from Santa!
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MT. ZION GOSPEL CHOIR
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Lau and Bea Christensen
MAJOR SPONSORS American Printing, Fiore Companies, Inc., Richard and Pamela Reese, in memory of Maurice & Arlene Reese, Peggy and Tom Pyle, John and Twila Sheskey Charitable Fund, in memory of Jennie Biel Sheskey, An Anonymous Friend ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Ellis and Katie Waller
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, s.c., DEMETRIOUS SAMPSON JR.
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CAROL SING
with Greg Zelek Saturday, December 5, 2026 11:00 am Overture Hall GREG ZELEK, AND THE OVERTURE CONCERT ORGAN
Greg Zelek, Organ
Tradition. Community. Song. Bring your friends and family to celebrate the holidays with this wonderful Overture Concert Organ tradition. The MSO Carol Sing is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, and no tickets or reservations are needed. The event takes place in Overture Hall and lasts about one hour. For more information, please contact the MSO at 608.257.3734 or info@madisonsymphony.org.
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The New Year Begins
STERLING ELLIOTT RETURNS
Friday, January 15, 2027 • 7:30 pm Saturday, January 16, 2027 • 7:30 pm Sunday, January 17, 2027 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall
STERLING ELLIOTT
Carl St. Clair, Guest Conductor Sterling Elliott, Cello FRANK TICHELI There Will Be Rest HAYDN Symphony No. 88 RICHARD STRAUSS Don Quixote
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CARL ST. CLAIR
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MAJOR SPONSORS Judith Werner, in memory of Stephen Caldwell, University Research Park ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Charlie and Judy Knapp, David Lauth and Lindsey Thomas, Mary Lang Sollinger
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Overture Concert Organ Series
RAÚL PRIETO RAMÍREZ
Tuesday, February 9, 2027 • 7:30 pm Overture Hall Raúl Prieto Ramírez, Guest Organist
RAÚL PRIETO RAMÍREZ
Appearing for the first time in this series, Raúl Prieto Ramírez makes his Overture Concert Organ debut. Acclaimed for his extraordinary virtuosity, he will perform his own thrilling arrangement of Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz, alongside his dazzling transcription of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, among others. Raul’s personality and flair will be on full display!
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MAJOR SPONSORS Friends of the Overture Concert Organ, Judith Werner, in memory of Stephen Caldwell, Jennifer Younger and Thomas Rae Smith ADDITIONAL SPONSOR
Mark Huth and Meghan Walsh
RACHMANINOFF & BEETHOVEN
Friday, February 19, 2027 • 7:30 pm Saturday, February 20, 2027 • 7:30 pm Sunday, February 21, 2027 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall John DeMain, Music Director Emeritus Inon Barnatan, Piano
INON BARNATAN
GABRIELA ORTIZ Kauyumari BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 4 RACHMANINOFF Symphony No. 2
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Myrna Larson
MAJOR SPONSORS Judith Werner, in memory of Stephen Caldwell, Cyrena and Lee Pondrom, Fred A. Wileman, An Anonymous Friend ADDITIONAL SPONSOR
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Rodney Schreiner and Mark Blank
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Bolz Young Artist Competition
THE FINAL FORTE
Wednesday, March 3, 2027 • 7:00 pm Overture Hall
ANDRÉ PECK 2026 BOLZ YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION WINNER
The four finalists, and the works they’ll be performing, will be announced at the time of the event. High school students from across the state compete, and the four finalists perform with the MSO in a free concert in Overture Hall before a live audience. Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin broadcast “Wisconsin Young Artists Compete: The Final Forte” throughout the state.
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GARRICK OHLSSON PLAYS CHOPIN Friday, March 12, 2027 • 7:30 pm Saturday, March 13, 2027 • 7:30 pm Sunday, March 14, 2027 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall
GARRICK OHLSSON
John DeMain, Music Director Emeritus Garrick Ohlsson, Piano CAROLINE SHAW The Observatory BRAHMS Symphony No. 3 CHOPIN Piano Concerto No. 1
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Rosemarie and Fred Blancke
MAJOR SPONSORS The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club, Irving and Dorothy Levy Family Foundation, Inc., Stephen D. Morton, David and Kato Perlman ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Robert Benjamin and John Fields, DeWitt LLP, Ronald J. and Janet E. Johnson, Ann Lindsey, in memory of Chuck Snowdon
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Scott Gendel Premiere
TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO
BLAKE POULIOT
Friday, April 9, 2027 • 7:30 pm Saturday, April 10, 2027 • 7:30 pm Sunday, April 11, 2027 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall John DeMain, Music Director Emeritus Blake Pouliot, Violin Karen Chia-ling Ho, Soprano Rehanna Thelwell, Mezzo-Soprano Kyle Ketelsen, Bass-Baritone Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director Madison Youth Choirs, Michael Ross, Artistic Director
KAREN CHIA-LING HO
REHANNA THELWELL
WAGNER Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto SCOTT GENDEL/CAITLIN VINCENT Spacious Skies: A Choral Symphony (world premiere • Madison Symphony Commission)
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MAJOR SPONSORS Diane Ballweg, Carla and Fernando Alvarado, Martha Casey, Madison Gas and Electric Foundation, Inc., Elaine and Nicholas Mischler, Nancy Mohs, Peter and Leslie Overton ADDITIONAL SPONSORS
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Boardman Clark Law Firm, Kathleen Harker
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KYLE KETELSEN
STAR WARS THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
STAR WARS THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
FILM LIVE IN CONCERT
Saturday, May 1, 2027 • 7:30 pm Sunday, May 2, 2027 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall
© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.
Kyle Knox, Resident Conductor Music by JOHN WILLIAMS
Since the release of the first Star Wars movie 50 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by John Williams.
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CALL 608.257.3734 Lake Ridge Bank, Zaia & Peleus Parker
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Season Finale: Time for Three, plus...
LAURA JACKSON CONDUCTS BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH Friday, May 7, 2027 • 7:30 pm Saturday, May 8, 2027 • 7:30 pm Sunday, May 9, 2027 • 2:30 pm Overture Hall
LAURA JACKSON
Laura Jackson, Music Director Designate Time for Three: R anaan Meyer, Double Bass Nicolas Kendall, Violin Charles Yang, Violin
TIME FOR THREE
BARBER Overture to “The School for Scandal” JENNIFER HIGDON Concerto 4-3 and featuring Time for Three’s singular renditions of FRANKIE VALLI’S “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” & CHARLES YANG’S “Joy” & “This Life” BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5 CYO CALL 608.257.3734
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SUBSCRIPTIONS OF THREE OR MORE CONCERTS. CALL 608.257.3734 FOR MONEY SAVING SEATING OPTIONS. PRESENTING SPONSOR
Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, Inc.
MAJOR SPONSORS Jane Hamblen and Robert F. Lemanske, Peter and Leslie Overton, Richman and Richman LLC ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Dr. Peter and Beth Rahko
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Dr. Steven Ewer and Abigail Ochberg,
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Overture Concert Organ Series
MADISON YOUTH CHOIRS
GREG ZELEK WITH THE
MADISON YOUTH CHOIRS Tuesday, May 11, 2027 • 7:30 pm Overture Hall
Greg Zelek, Organ Madison Youth Choirs, Michael Ross, Artistic Director The organ series concludes with a powerful collaboration of organ and choir, joined by the Madison Youth Choirs’ high school ensembles. Bringing together three distinct choirs, hear the next generation of musicians in a rich and moving program, conducted by their director, Michael Ross.
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William Steffenhagen
MAJOR SPONSORS Barbara and Norm Berven, Skofronick Family Charitable Trust, Condon and Mary Vander Ark
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Share Music With All WAYS TO MAKE YOUR GIFT Mail Your Check Give Online Give by Phone Make a Gift of Stock Grant from Donor Advised Fund Qualified Charitable Distribution from IRA Ask your employer if they match!
The Madison Symphony Orchestra is grateful for donor support, which allows us to present high-quality concerts with world-class guest artists, and to share award-winning Education and Community Engagement programs. Thanks to donor support, thousands of people from all backgrounds are able to have transformative music experiences with us every season. You can support our mission to share music by making a taxdeductible gift. Gifts of any amount are important and appreciated! Learn more at madisonsymphony.org/individualgiving.
CRESCENDO
$500 $1,000 $2,000 $3,500 to to to to $999 $1,999 $3,499 $4,999
VIVACE
CONCERTO
$50 to $499
ENCORE
PRELUDE
2026-27 ANNUAL FUND INDIVIDUAL GIVING BENEFITS Name listed in concert program books Invitation to one reception after a concert Open invitation to the MSO Donor Lounge Private, reserved parking for concerts* Open invitation to all receptions after the concerts Invitation to “An Evening of Gratitude”
Benefits are available throughout the concert season your gift supports. Certain benefits may have a fair market value and may reduce the tax-deductibility of your gift.
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