A Symphony of Gratitude Dear Madison Symphony Orchestra Patrons, This pandemic has indeed affected all of our lives in some way or another and has had a profound effect on the performing arts. To say we were disappointed in not being able to finish our 2019–2020 Season or to convene as an orchestra to prepare live concerts for your enjoyment is an understatement, and the only consolation is that we have not been alone in adjusting to this strange new world! For us as artists, music is a constant source of comfort and nourishment, as we continue to study and practice every day preparing for a triumphant return to the concert hall for live performances. Along with practicing the piano, I am having fun listening to symphonic works that we have never performed, in the hopes of making some wonderful new discoveries to share with you in future seasons. My work includes a renewed and deeper commitment to broaden the artistic scope of the MSO in the area of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. I personally add my own commitment to stand with people of color and support the changes that must occur to make things better. During this past year, our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee has been exploring ways we can create a modern-day symphony orchestra that reflects the society in which we live. And while this includes all facets of the Symphony’s operations, my job is to explore ways to expand the repertoire to include a stronger presence of composers of color. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the highlights of this past season that you helped make possible with your donations and ticket purchases. In September 2019, we welcomed our incredibly talented curator of the Overture Concert Organ, Greg Zelek, in his concerto debut with the orchestra, brilliantly playing Barber’s Toccata Festiva. We are so proud of the growth of our string section over the years, which was brilliantly illustrated by the way they executed the difficult Venusberg Music of Wagner. Our woodwinds gave a sublimely sensual performance in Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun. The fall also brought us two auspicious debuts from violinist Rachel Barton Pine and pianist Joyce Yang. In addition to Rachel’s splendid performance of the Khachaturian Concerto, anyone who was in the audience on that Saturday night was treated to an awesome display of Scottish fiddling. The orchestra played the delightful 9th Symphony of Shostakovich with virtuosic charm. Along with Joyce Yang’s flawless performance of the 3rd Piano Concerto of Prokofiev, the orchestra mastered the very challenging Newly Drawn Sky by Aaron Jay Kernis, and delivered a beautiful Schumann 2nd Symphony. Christmas brought us for the 15th year in a row the Mount Zion Gospel Choir, which always manages to raise the roof, as well as beautifully sung performances by the Madison Symphony Chorus and Madison Youth Choirs. And who can forget the show stopping performance of O Holy Night as performed by soprano Michelle Johnson? January again brought us together with several American Players Theatre actors for yet another exciting Beyond the Score®, this time Prokofiev’s masterpiece from World War II, his Symphony No. 5. In February, we welcomed back violinist Pinchas Zukerman and cellist Amanda Forsyth for a beautifully realized Brahms Double Concerto. The orchestra followed with a wonderful rendition of Copland’s 3rd Symphony. March, our last concert of the season, was distinguished by the very successful debut of conductor Kenneth Woods and a thrilling Mendelssohn Violin Concerto from violinist Blake Pouliot in his MSO debut. The orchestra’s stunning performances of Haydn and Strauss concluded our abbreviated season. I want to thank all those involved for making these performances possible. The synergy that has developed over the years between the musicians, staff, board, donors, subscribers, and you, the audience, is simply without comparison. We look forward to continuing this remarkable relationship in the months and years to come. I wish you all a safe and healthy autumn and I look forward to reuniting with you in Overture Hall in 2021.
John DeMain, Music Director
SPECIAL FEATURE: 2019 / 2020 Impact Report
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