Sept/Oct/Nov 2019 Score Newsletter

The

SCORE

FALL 2019 — SEPT | OCT | NOV

SEASON PREMIERE

Greg Zelek, Organ September 27 – 29

Rachel Barton Pine, Violin Plays Khachaturian October 18 – 20

Choir of Trinity College Cambridge

Michael Hey and Christiana Liberis

Organ and Choir Sept. 11

Organ and Violin Oct. 22

Joyce Yang, Piano Plays Prokofiev November 8 – 10

News & Stories MSOL Symphony Gala Sept. 13 and more...

Welcome to the 2019–2020 Season!

Dear friends of the MSO, It is always exciting for all of us here to get back in the saddle, as it were, and delve into our new season. We have exciting worldclass debut artists, several first performances ever by the Madison Symphony, and many magnificent masterpieces spread through the season. From Haydn to Kernis, with Mendelssohn, Brahms, Copland, and Debussy, to name a few, we bring you the masterworks of our greatest composers of orchestral music.

With a slight emphasis toward the great Russian composers of the first half of the 20th century, and one fabulous concerto after another played by superstars, such as Yefim Bronfman, Pinchas Zuckerman, and Rachel Barton Pine, we also perform major works of Copland, Schumann, Stravinsky, Strauss, and Dvorák. Beyond the Score® takes a closer look into Prokofiev’s glorious 5th symphony, in a colorful multimedia presentation that includes excerpts from the great composers that came before him and were his influences in composing this gem.

Every concert is designed to give you a unique experience, and to take you to another plane of aural inspiration. Join me and the musicians of the MSO for another incredible journey into the world of live orchestra music.

Thank you for being with us.

PHOTO CREDITS cover (Zelek), p2 (DeMain), p3 (Zelek, Kim), p4 (orchestra, Zelek), p9 (DeMain), p10 (orchestra, Zelek), p11 (Spring Young People’s Concert), p13 (Evening of Gratitude), p15 (Kim/DeMain), back (Zelek, chorus): Peter Rodgers; cover (Pine), p3 (Pine), p5 (Pine), back (Pine): Lisa-Marie Mazzucco; cover (Yang), p3 (Yang), p6 (Yang), back (Yang): KT Kim; p3 (choir), p7 (choir), back (choir): Benjamin Ealovega; p3 (Concert on the Green), p11 (Bolz Young Artist Competition), p11 (HeartStrings®), p13 (Legacy/Leadership), p15 (Up Close & Musical®), p16 (Concert on the Green), p17 (Marian Bolz): Amandalynn Jones; p17 (Suzuki, Wu): James Gill; p17 (Rhapsodie Quartet): Katrin Talbot; back (Bronfman): Ivan Maly

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CONTENTS 4

Welcome

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John DeMain reflects upon highlights of the upcoming season

Love, Lust and Redemption Our 2019–2020 Season opens with an all-orchestral program and Principal Organist Greg Zelek as guest soloist

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5

Rachel Barton Pine This outstanding violinist makes her MSO debut in a program featuring three Russian composers

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Joyce Yang Pianist Joyce Yang makes her debut with the MSO performing Prokofiev’s third piano concerto

6

Organ Performances The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge opens our 2019–2020 Organ Season in September, followed

by Organist Michael Hey and Violinist Christiana Liberis in October

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7

A Symphony of Gratitude Appreciation for your support and a look back at the impact of our 18–19 season

9 - 12

News & Stories Discover what’s happening outside of the concert hall — musician news, donor support, Education & Community Engagement Programs, Madison Symphony Orchestra League events, and more

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8 , 13 - 17

Information & Tickets Learn more about the MSO, how to subscribe, special pricing, and other ticket options

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15

16

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SEASON PREMIERE

madisonsymphony.org/orchestral

LOVE, LUST & REDEMPTION

by John DeMain

Prelude Discussions...

Tune up for your Symphony concerts!

Prelude Discussions enrich the concert experience with insights into the music and lives of the composers.

All ticketholders are welcome to discussions one hour before each performance in Overture Hall. Speakers for the first three concerts are: September: Randal Swiggum October: Michael Allsen November: Anders Yocom Discover more: madisonsymphony.org/ prelude

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Welcome to the opening concerts of our 2019–2020

The second half of the program features two of

season. I’ve chosen four magnificent orchestral

the greatest and most popular works in orchestral

works by Wagner, Dvořák, Debussy and Barber. I am

literature: Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a

also thrilled to introduce our phenomenal organist

Faun, and Dvořák‘s profound and Brahmsian 7th

Greg Zelek in his solo debut with the Madison

Symphony. The sensual Debussy will calm us down

Symphony. He will play the dazzling Toccata Festiva,

a bit after all the first-half excitement.

by American composer Samuel Barber. We open

Debussy as well as his artist colleagues hated

with the Paris version of Wagner’s Overture and

being called impressionists. They were colorists,

Venusberg music to the opera Tannhäuser. Between

trying in an abstract way to conjure up musically,

the Bacchanalian music of Venusberg and Barber’s

in this case, the work of a great poet,

Toccata, we should be in quite a festive mood to celebrate our opening.

continued on page 18

John DeMain, Conductor, Greg Zelek, Organ Wagner Barber Debussy Dvořák

Tannhäuser: Overture and Venusberg Music Toccata Festiva Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun Symphony No. 7

Friday, Sept. 27 Saturday, Sept. 28 Sunday, Sept. 29

7:30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

Diane Ballweg

Elaine and Nicholas Mischler

Carla and Fernando Alvarado ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

Jane Hamblen and Robert Lemanske

Skofronick Family Charitable Trust

James and Joan Johnston

von Briesen & Roper, s.c. with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts

madisonsymphony.org/orchestral

madisonsymphony.org/pine

RACHEL BARTON PINE PLAYS KHACHATURIAN

Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovich and Aram Khachaturian were creative forces during the Soviet era.

by John DeMain

There is no question that I have a special

the saxophone as a principal solo instrument,

predilection for the music of the first half of the

and includes the famous “troika” that we have

20th century. Informed by war and oppression, the

performed on our Christmas concerts in the

Russian composers wrote powerful and beautiful

past. The second of our two Madison Symphony

music during this time, that skirted between

premieres is Khachaturian‘s Violin Concerto.

censure and praise by the Soviets. Prokofiev,

Written for his friend, the great David Oistrakh, our

Khachaturian, and Shostakovich all lived and

soloist debuting with the MSO is the sensational

composed during this time. The first two works on

Rachel Barton Pine. This piece is wonderfully

our program have never before been performed in

romantic, featuring Armenian folk-like tunes, and

their entirety by the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

demanding exciting virtuoso playing from

Lieutenant Kijé was Prokofiev’s first film score.

It is both witty and wonderfully melodic, featuring John DeMain, Conductor, Rachel Barton Pine, Violin

Prokofiev Suite from Lieutenant Kijé Khachaturian Violin Concerto in D minor Shostakovich Symphony No. 9 PRESENTING SPONSOR:

continued on page 18

Friday, Oct. 18 Saturday, Oct. 19 Sunday, Oct. 20

7:30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

Come with a group!

Groups of 10 or more recieve a 25% discount on Symphony tickets and a 10% discount on Organ tickets. To place your order call the MSO office at (608) 257-3734.

MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

Steinhauer Charitable Trust ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

DeWitt LLP

Rodney Schreiner and Mark Blank

John A. Johnson Foundation,

Selma Van Eyck

a component fund of the Madison Community Foundation

Barbara J. Merz

View pricing, seating charts and discover more: madisonsymphony.org/ groups with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts

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madisonsymphony.org/yang

JOYCE YANG PLAYS PROKOFIEV

by John DeMain

Are you a subscriber?

Subscriber benefits include savings on ticket prices, Priority Seating (the same seats throughout the season), Unlimited Ticket Exchanges, Missed Concert Insurance, Lost Ticket Replacement, a Subscriber Parking Opportunity, and more!

See page 19 for details about Symphony and Organ subscriptions, Flex-Tickets, single tickets, and group rates.

Discover more about us: madisonsymphony.org

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There is no question our season has a special

were six months old. I loved it upon first hearing,

focus on Russian composers, as we perform

and I know you will love it as well.

pieces by Prokofiev in November, January, and

Musicians and critics alike consider Schumann’s

May. The three works of Prokofiev on our season

second Symphony to be his finest. Some have

represent him at his finest with the 3rd Piano

even compared it to Beethoven’s fifth Symphony

Concerto enjoying enormous popularity with our

as it journeys from an almost autobiographical

audiences. We have another major debut with

journey through a dark period in Schumann’s life

us, as Joyce Yang brings her thrilling pianistic

and finding triumphant joy at the end. The difficult,

prowess to this titan of concertos.

but exciting scherzo, incidentally, is often required

Another first is the 2005 composition by

to be played at violin auditions for a position in

American composer Aaron Kernis, Newly Drawn

the orchestra, including our own MSO. This highly-

Sky. I love the direction our new music is taking in

contrasting concert featuring masterworks by

the 21st century, and so look forward to sharing this

all three composers should provide for a most

amazingly beautiful and coloristic work by Kernis.

satisfying weekend of concerts.

This reminiscent and lyrical work was inspired by the evening sky on the ocean when his twins John DeMain, Conductor, Joyce Yang, Piano

Kernis Newly Drawn Sky Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major Schumann Symphony No. 2

Friday, Nov. 8 Saturday, Nov. 9 Sunday, Nov. 10

7:30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

Stephen D. Morton

Scott and Janet Cabot Peggy and Tom Pyle

ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

Foley & Lardner LLP Howard Kidd and Margaret Murphy

with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts

CHOIR OF TRINITY COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE Wednesday, Sept. 11

7:30 p.m.

Named by Gramophone Magazine as one of the best choirs in the world, our season opens with the amazing Choir of Trinity College Cambridge.

Conducted by Stephen Layton and accompanied on our Mighty Klais, this twenty-five voice choir will present a program of music spanning many centuries that will display their beauty of tone and depth of feeling. These rich voices will make this varied program soar through Overture Hall and leave everyone in the audience breathless.

– Greg Zelek Featuring: The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge Stephen Layton, Conductor Trinity Organ Scholar, Organ

Byrd

Byrd

Tallis

Purcell

Pärt Tavener Kalinnikov Parsons Ešenvalds Lauridsen Mäntyjärvi Howells Howells

Sing joyfully O Lord, make thy servant, Elizabeth Salvator mundi Thou knowest, Lord Bogoróditse Djévo Mother of God, here I stand Bogoróditse Djévo Ave Maria The heavens’ flock O magnum mysterium Richte mich, Gott Take him, earth, for cherishing Trinity St Paul’s

EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR:

Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation and W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation

madisonsymphony.org/trinitychoir

MICHAEL HEY & CHRISTIANA LIBERIS Tuesday, Oct. 22

7:30 p.m.

Organist at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC and Wisconsin native Michael Hey and Violinist Christiana Liberis (who most recently performed on tour with the Eagles) will demonstrate the tremendous versatility of our great instrument with this diverse program of music for both instruments as well as solo organ. With a program that includes Bach’s famous Violin Concerto in

All organ tickets $20 Or subscribe to all four concerts for just $63!

E major and Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro, these two artists will have the opportunity to show off their individual skills while blending

Learn more: madisonsymphony.org/organ19-20

our Klais with the beautiful tones of the violin.

Having known Mr. Hey since our days at Juilliard together, it gives me great joy to introduce this dynamic duo to our audience for the first time.

– Greg Zelek Featuring: Michael Hey, Organ Christiana Liberis, Violin

Widor Allegro from Symphony No. 6 Vitali Chaconne Bach Concerto in E major, BWV 1042 Hakim Capriccio Elgar Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 Ravel Pavane Kreisler Praeludium & Allegro

SPONSORS:

Walter and Karen Pridham Charitable Fund Friends of the Overture Concert Organ

madisonsymphony.org/organviolin

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News & Stories

MUSICIAN NEWS ANCORA STRING QUARTET ON THE AIR AND ONSTAGE Italian program features quartets

MADISON BACH MUSICIANS PRESENTS PROGRAM OF TELEMANN Harpsichordist Trevor Stephenson leads this

by Donizetti, Puccini, and Verdi Having toured Germany last year, the ASQ now turns its sights on Italy. The ensemble, with MSO violinists Wes Luke and Robin Ryan, and MSO violist Marika Fischer Hoyt, will be interviewed by WPR’s Norman Gilliland on The Midday on Fri. Sep. 6 at 12 p.m., about its season-opening concerts on Sat. Sep. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. Sep 8 at 3:00 p.m., at the First Unitarian Society-Madison at 900 University Bay Dr. The unusual program includes Donizetti’s Quartet No. 7 in F Minor, Puccini’s Chrysanthemums, and Verdi’s Quartet in E Minor.

Please visit ancoraquartet.com for more details.

2019 BOARD MEETING AND MUSICIAN AWARDS

tribute to the celebrated and prolific Baroque master, with three programmatic works, and three purely instrumental selections, on Sat. Oct. 5, at 8:00 p.m., at the First Unitarian Society-Madison at 900 University Bay Dr., and Sun. Oct. 6 at 3:30 p.m. at the Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton.

Period instrumentalists, including MSO Violist Marika Fischer Hoyt, are joined by bass-baritone Matthew Treviño (who appeared last season in Florentine Opera’s Poppea). Please visit madisonbachmusicians.org for more details.

OF

DIRECTORS

At the 2018–2019 Board of Directors Meeting on June 11, two musicians and one Madison Symphony Chorus member received awards given out each year for their outstanding dedication to their respective organizations.

The Margaret Rupp Cooper Award, named for Ms. Cooper who was a harpist with the Symphony for 50 years, was presented to two orchestra members based upon years of service, commitment to orchestra, and musicianship. This year’s recipients were Clarinetist Nancy Mackenzie and retiring English Horn Jennifer Morgan. The Ann Stanke Award was presented by Beverly Taylor to soprano Barbara Eggleston, Madison Symphony Chorus member of 38 years. The award is given in honor of Ann Stanke, the former accompanist and manager of the Chorus.

At the 2018–2019 MSO Meeting of the Members that followed the presentation of awards, the Rhapsodie Quartet performed the 4th movement of the Haydn Quartet Op. 76, No. 5.

Award Recipient Barbara Eggleston and Madison Symphony Chorus Director Beverly Taylor

Members of the Rhapsodie Quartet: Christopher Dozoryst, viola; Laura Burns, violin; Karl Lavine, cello; and Suzanne Beia, violin

Award Recipients Nancy Mackenzie (right) and Jennifer Morgan (left) with MSO Board President Elaine Mischler (center)

CON VIVO ENSEMBLE OPENS 2019 SEASON OF PERFORMANCES Friday, September 20, 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 1609 University Ave. con vivo!...music with life chamber music ensemble welcomes back the Edgar Knecht Jazz Trio from our sister county of Kassel, Germany. The concert will feature pieces from our standard repertoire, jazz music, and some collaborative pieces with members from both of our groups. Tickets at the door are $18 or $15 for seniors & students. Learn more at convivomusicwithlife.org.

JUST BACH CONCERT SERIES ANNOUNCES FALL DATES One Wednesday each month, at Luther Memorial Church, 1021 University Ave. This series of FREE midday concerts features cantatas, instrumental solos and chamber music, performed one-on-a-part on period instruments. The series enjoyed a successful launch last year, and continues this fall on the 3rd Wednesday of each month: Sep. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, and Dec. 18, all at 12:00 p.m. MSO violinist Leanne League and MSO violist Marika Fischer Hoyt are among the players. Please visit justbach.org for more information.

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A Symphony of Gratitude As I look back on my Silver Anniversary Season, my heart is filled with gratitude for all of you — our patrons, donors, and volunteers — for the support you have given the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Many of you have been with me all 25 years, and oh, what a journey we have had together!

Our 2018–2019 Season featured many memorable performances, most notably those of our fabulous guest artists. Pianists Emanuel Ax and Christopher Taylor and violinist James Ehnes returned to our stage, while cellist Zuill Bailey and pianist Marc-André Hamelin made their Madison Symphony debuts. I was very pleased to feature three incredible soloists from the orchestra: concertmaster Naha Greenholtz, clarinetist JJ Koh and tubist Josh Biere. Guest conductor Tania Miller led three memorable performances during her visit in October, and we explored Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony through our Beyond the Score® production featuring fine performances by actors from American Players Theatre. Ten incredible singers shined in our Christmas and “Symphony of a Thousand” performances. Additionally, the dedicated singers of the Madison Symphony Chorus, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, Madison Youth Choirs, and UW Choral Union demonstrated the richness of musical talent that is woven into the fabric of our community. On behalf of all the artists that performed this season, thank you for attending and supporting these concerts. We love performing for you!

Apart from our regular concert season, the Symphony touched the lives of thousands of people through our Education and Community Engagement Programs. HeartStrings® brought the joy of live music to people with special needs through interactive music therapy-informed sessions with the Rhapsodie Quartet. Many children had their first experience with a live orchestra through their participation in our Youth Concerts, Link Up, and Up Close & Musical® Programs. The Bolz Young Artist Competition/Final Forte is always a highlight of the year for me, and this year was no exception.

Four amazingly talented young artists from Wisconsin inspired people all over the state through their remarkable display of talent and dedication to their musical pursuits.

Each year, the orchestra experiences transitions. We welcomed Cory Wurtz as our new bass trombonist, and we said goodbye to longtime oboe and English horn player Jennifer Morgan who retired after 38 years in the orchestra.

Your support allows us to do this important artistic work in Madison, and for that we are very grateful. From all of us at the MSO, thank you! I look forward to seeing you in Overture Hall in September for our exciting 2019–2020 Season.

John DeMain, Music Director

SPECIAL FEATURE: 2018 / 2019 Impact Report

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C O M M U N I T Y 2018-2019 Madison Symphony Orchestra Season

3 9,4 4 4 Audience Members at 25 concerts 1,8 9 8

2018-2019 Overture Concert Organ Season

“ All of the music…was beautiful.

The entire musical presentation was excellent.”

– Audience member

Student Rush Tickets

23

Orchestral Masterpieces performed

16

2 ,0 1 4

Guest Artists

New ticket-buying households

“ I attend…because it allows me to become lost in the music. I am able to “blow” away what’s on my mind and immerse myself in the moments!”

– MSO Subscriber

300 + Volunteers

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I M PA C T

(boards, committees, and members of the Madison Symphony Chorus)

3 ,9 4 9

Members Audience at 4 ticketed concerts

3 Guest Artists

2,2 3 2

attended People 4 free concerts

“ The musicianship is excellent. I enjoyed the conversation between pieces as well. The organ is beautiful. And the concert hall is perfect for this kind of intimate performance.”

– Audience member

B Y

T H E

The Bolz Young Artist Competition

N U M B E R S

School-based Education Programs & Youth Concerts

reached through 60,000 + People statewide broadcasts of

“Wisconsin Young Artists Compete: The Final Forte” on WPT and WPR

3 7 Applicants 4

Winners

$ 6,000

in Prizes Awarded

“ This chance to perform with the orchestra helped me conquer my performance anxiety and learn the excitement of performing for a large audience. Not only did I enjoy this experience, but it helped me grow as a musician immensely.”

–G race Kim, 2019 First Prize Winner

HeartStrings®

articipatory, 90 Pmusic therapy-

informed sessions

experienced 9,687 Children live classical music

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Dane County Schools

60

Schools beyond Dane County

“ This Young People’s concert was the first concert of a professional symphony orchestra my students have attended. Extremely high quality. They were (as I hoped) blown away and inspired by the excellence of the solo musicians.

Thank you so much!!! We’ll be back next year!”

– Teacher

2,542

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Partner Locations

( assisted living and community health care centers)

3,200

Individuals Reached

“ I always look forward to these HeartStrings performances— they are such a wonderful way to share time with the residents and end my day.

Thank you.”

– Caregiver “ I think he really enjoys this activity and it seems to bring out the best in him.”

– Caregiver

Students received

youth concert financial assistance

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From the Executive Director and Board President The power of great music is manifest in such a variety of effects upon us listeners. We are stirred.

Inspired. Sometimes made somber, at others jubilant. And thrilled, as in the thrill of the monumental Mahler 8th Symphony, the colossal sonic waves of which wash over us still, even after the final chords brought the 2018–2019 season to a rousing and very successful close. And what a season it was! We made a hearty celebration of Music Director John DeMain’s twenty-fifth season on the podium, from the Madison Symphony Orchestra League’s celebratory Gala right through a star-studded year of top-tier guest artists that brought us to that big, big finale.

Nor was it only a triumph of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Greg Zelek continued to amaze our growing audience for the “Mighty Klais,” a.k.a. the Overture Concert Organ. Record attendance and the cheering throngs have lifted the pipe organ program to new heights, and more is promised from this visual “jewel in the crown” of Overture Center for the Arts, as architect Cesar Pelli dubbed the instrument. The enthusiasm of the burgeoning membership of the Friends of the Overture Concert Organ is providing special vibrancy to this exciting dimension of our Symphony.

Our Education and Community Engagement portfolio continues to thrive and grow, bringing acclaimed programs to broad segments of greater Madison’s diverse population. This is our investment in the future of our community, our orchestra and the art of great symphonic music.

And, still, ticket revenues, as expected, offset just under 50% of the cost of these concerts and services. Which brings us to you, the philanthropists of varying means who have made many, many gifts of personal significance to keep the Symphony on the track of fiscal stability. Your contributions, over $2,000,000 in 2018–2019, have again made this success possible. We hold you in our hearts as heroes, and offer our deepest gratitude for the magnificent support you have given the cause of great music in Madison.

Richard H. Mackie Executive Director

Elaine Mischler Board President

2 0 1 8 – 2 0 1 9 F I N A N C I A L I N F O R M AT I O N 2018 – 2019 Revenues: $5,233,350*

2018 – 2019 Expenses: $5,135,060*

43% Tickets & Contracted Services 39% Contributions

78% Concerts & Education Programs (incl. marketing)

7% Development

18% Investments

15% General Administration

*unaudited

Madison Symphony Orchestra | 222 W. Washington Ave. Ste. 460, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 257-3734 | madisonsymphony.org

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CELEBRATING YOUR SUPPORT

News & Stories

LEGACY AND LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON Members of the Stradivarius Society and Past Board Presidents of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Madison Symphony Orchestra League, Friends of the Overture Concert Organ, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra Foundation were recognized at special luncheon at Cento Ristorante in downtown Madison o n A pr il 3 0, 2 019.

The program included remarks by Director of Development Casey

Joy and David Rice (Stradivarius Society members)

O e l k e r s , E xe c u t i v e Director Rick Mackie a n d Music Dire c tor John DeMain, followed by a performance of traditional Celtic music

by Cynthia Cameron-Fix, whistles and English concertina, and Dale Fix, guitar and accordion.

Chuck Snowdon (Stradivarius Society member) and Ann Lindsey (Stradivarius Society member and Past President of MSOL)

ANNOUNCING THE ELYN L. WILLIAMS CHAIR We are pleased to announce that the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Assistant Principal Violin II Chair has been named the Elyn L. Williams Chair. Elyn was an elementary vocal music teacher in the Madison schools until her retirement in 1983. She was also a longtime Symphony subscriber and annual donor. Elyn passed away last year, and the Symphony recently received a generous bequest from her estate which has been added to our endowment. Her trustee, Timothy Sweeney, said, “The Symphony provided Elyn with many happy and positive experiences. She took pleasure in knowing her gift would assist with the Symphony’s ability to continue to provide these experiences to others.”

In addition to the named chair, Elyn will also be recognized in our Stradivarius Society for her

Elyn L. Williams

bequest, and in our Century Society, which includes those who have contributed $100,000 or more to the Symphony’s endowment.

For information about the Stradivarius Society, Century Society, and/or chair naming opportunities, contact Casey Oelkers, Director of Development, at (608) 260-8680 x228.

AN EVENING OF GRATITUDE About 50 donors gathered on May 11 at the Paoli Schoolhouse Shops and Café for the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s annual Evening of Gratitude. This event is a special end-of-season thank you party for our annual fund donors at the Vivace ($2,500-4,999), Maestro ($5,000-9,999), Gold Baton ($10,000-19,999) and Standing Ovation ($20,000+) levels.

Following a lovely buffet and friendly conversation, Director of Development Casey Oelkers welcomed guests, John DeMain reflected on his 25th season and gave an overview of his artistic and community engagement vision as we approach the MSO’s 100th anniversary in 2025, and all were treated to a special performance by MSO first violinist Jon Vriesacker and guitarist Doug Brown. The duo improvised on familiar jazz

Brandon Hayes and Jack Pepple

favorites such as “I’ve Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin and “It Don’t Mean a Thing” by Duke Ellington, among others.

Individual donors play an important role in bridging the gap between ticket sales and the true cost of presenting each Symphony season. To learn about the benefits of giving, visit madisonsymphony.org/individual.

Carla Alvarado and Selma Van Eyck

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News & Stories

EDUCATION HIGH NOTES

2019 FALL YOUTH CONCERTO COMPETITION Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 The 2019 Fall Youth Concerto Competition is open to Wisconsin musicians in grades 3–8 who play piano, string, wind, brass or percussion instruments.

Winners will be featured during the annual Fall Youth Concerts on November 12, playing with the MSO for an audience of their peers. Winners will also receive a scholarship to attend the UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic in June of 2020. Applications and more information can be accessed at madisonsymphony.org/fycc.

“Thank you, Madison Symphony Orchestra, for giving me the opportunity to reach out to students from all over Wisconsin through my music. What an amazing experience it was to solo with a professional orchestra and knowing my performance may have inspired others. I will never forget the exuberance and energy that I felt performing with the Madison Symphony Orchestra on the Overture Stage. Thank you for creating such an amazing experience for the young musicians in Wisconsin!”

– Ava Kenney, 2018 Fall Youth Concerto Competition Winner “I wanted to thank you for all the support MSO gives the young musicians in the community. Ava had a fabulous experience with her first

SAVE THE DATE! Rhapsodie Quartet Recital Tuesday, October 8, 7:30 p.m.

UW-Whitewater Young Auditorium (Ticketed event open to the general public) The Rhapsodie Quartet brings together some of the brightest stars of the Madison Symphony Orchestra: Co-Concertmaster Suzanne Beia, Principal Violist Christopher Dozoryst, Principal Cellist Karl Lavine, and violinist Laura Burns. United in mission, the members of the quartet create a fusion of talent, passion, and heart in their performances. Special guest performers from the UW-Whitewater Music Faculty will join the quartet for this recital which features compositions by Gabriel Fauré, Samuel Barber and Edvard Greig.

Ticket information is available on the UW-Whitewater website at tickets.uww.edu.

HEARTSTRINGS®

solo performance with MSO. We thank you so much for a memory we will

The Rhapsodie Quartet is the resident ensemble

always cherish!”

of the symphony’s award-winning HeartStrings®

– Heidi Kenney, mother of Ava Kenney A special thank-you to Farley’s House of Pianos for providing the pianos for our Young Artist Competition

program. This music therapy-informed program continues to reach beyond traditional performance settings to bring live, interactive presentations into healthcare and residential facilities through monthly visits during the season.

This year’s partner locations are Central

FALL YOUTH CONCERTS Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019 (These concerts are not open to the general public) The 2019 Fall Youth Concerts are open to students in grades 4–8 and feature the winners of the annual Fall Youth Concerto Competition. Kyle Knox, MSO Associate Conductor, will conduct the concerts this season.

The concert is themed “Stories Told Through Music” and features works by Beethoven, Prokofiev, Dukas, and John Williams. Registration information can be accessed at madisonsymphony.org/fallyouthconcerts.

Major funding provided by Madison Symphony Orchestra League American Girl’s Fund for Children Additional funding provided by Dr. Annette Beyer-Mears Dane Arts, with additional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation, The Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of The Capital Times, the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation.

The Evjue Foundation Inc., the charitable arm of The Capital Times The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Inc Irving and Dorothy Levy Family Foundation, Inc. William J. and Joyce F. Wartmann Fund James and Jessica Yehle Wisconsin Arts Board with additional funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Wisconsin Center, Coventry Village, Madison Area Rehabilitation Center East (MARC – East), Mobility Training & Independent Living Program (MTILP), Oakwood Village University Woods and Waisman Center in Madison; Oregon High School in Oregon; Azura Memory Care in Stoughton; Brookdale and Hyland Crossings Memory Care in Sun Prairie.

Major funding provided by Madison Symphony Orchestra League National Endowment for the Arts Additional funding provided by WPS Health Insurance Susan S. Harris UW Health, UnityPoint Health – Meriter & Quartz Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Foundation, Inc. David and Kato Perlman Madison Arts Commission, with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board An Anonymous Friend Wisconsin Arts Board with additional funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Education and Community Engagement MSO’s Education and Community Engagement Programs are made available for free or at a low cost to participants, but they are not free for us to present! To learn how you or your company/ organization can support these and other MSO programs, please contact Casey Oelkers, Director of Development, at (608) 260-8680 x228.

EDUCATION HIGH NOTES

News & Stories

BOLZ YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION PRELIMINARY ROUND: Saturdays, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, 2019 SEMI-FINAL ROUND: Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 The Bolz Young Artist Competition is a highly regarded statewide competition in which Wisconsin’s young musicians compete for scholarships and the opportunity to perform as soloists with the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to compete.

2019 Bolz Young Artist Competition Winner Grace Kim and Music Director John DeMain

Applications and more information can be accessed at madisonsymphony.org/bolz.

UP CLOSE & MUSICAL® Up Close and Musical® brings the power and beauty of classical music into the classrooms of elementary schools throughout Dane County. The curriculum is guided by the Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance model and state academic standards for music, bringing the Hunt Quartet into six schools four times each year. Individual quartet members visit separate classrooms to conduct exciting and interactive lessons that send students on a “hunt” for the concepts of melody, rhythm, expression, and form. The Hunt Quartet, aptly named, then demonstrates these concepts in an ensemble performance for all the students.

The Hunt Quartet welcomes returning members Ava Shadmani (violin), Fabio Saggin (viola) and Alex Chambers-Ozasky (cello) and one new member for the 2019-20 season: Rachel Reese (violin). All are graduate students at The Mead Witter School of Music at the UW–Madison. This year’s participating partner schools are Franklin Elementary, Lapham Elementary, Shorewood Elementary and Thoreau Elementary in Madison; Eagle Point Elementary in DeForest; and Sandhill Elementary in Stoughton.

The Hunt Quartet is funded through a partnership between the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Mead Witter School of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with major funding from David and Kato Perlman, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and other donors. Up Close and Musical® is a program of the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

Major funding provided by Madison Symphony Orchestra League

Additional funding provided by The Brittingham Fund, Inc.

John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Marc Vitale and Darcy Kind

An Anonymous Friend

Wisconsin Arts Board with additional funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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News & Stories

MSOL MEMBER NEWS 2019 CONCERT ON THE GREEN RECAP Thanks to our sponsors, in-kind donors, volunteers

Despite intermittent storms, 18 foursomes

and guests who made our 25th annual Concert on

competed in the golf tournament before joining

the Green a success. More than $62,000 was raised

evening guests for drinks and hors d’oeuvres at

for the Symphony’s Education and Community

the Bishops Bay Clubhouse.

Engagement Programs!

During the concert that evening, Grace Kim, first place winner of the 2019 Bolz Young Artist Competition, performed the Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto in A Minor. John DeMain led the orchestra in favorites such as Bernstein’s Overture to Candide, Griffes’s The White Peacock, Delius’s Summer Evening, and Strauss’s Emperor Waltzes.

Thank you again to all who made this event such a huge success, and save the date for the 26th annual Concert on the Green on Monday, June 15, 2020.

MSOL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE FALL YOUTH CONCERTS DOCENT PROGRAM Are you an MSOL member who would like to take your musical knowledge into local classrooms?

Annually, the MSO offers a Docent Program to schools who are registered to attend the Fall Youth Concerts. During these docent visits, an MSOL member teams up with a musician from the orchestra to provide students with information about musical selections, composers and concert etiquette. Training for the Docent Program is provided. If you are interested in becoming a docent, please contact Lori Poulson at loripoulson@att.net or (608) 301-0915.

SAVE THE DATE: FALL LUNCHEON Friday, October 18 Blackhawk Country Club

Invitations will be mailed and online registration will be available at madisonsymphony.org/msol soon!

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MSOL MEMBER NEWS

News & Stories

2019 SYMPHONY GALA TO HONOR MARIAN BOLZ

Symphony Gala

Symphony Gala

Friday, September 13, 2019 Madison Concourse Hotel

Friday, September 13 6:00 p.m.

Madison Concourse Hotel

The Madison Symphony Orchestra League will present the John DeMain Award for Outstanding Commitment to Music to Marian

Friday, September 13 6:00 p.m.

Madison Concourse Hotel

Bolz on Friday, September 13 at the Madison Concourse Hotel. The Award recognizes an individual or individuals for their longstanding and unwavering support of the League, the Madison Symphony Orchestra and music in the community.

The special evening will feature musical performances by The Rhapsodie Quartet and 2019 Bolz Young Artist competition finalists Monona Suzuki and Antonio Wu. The program will honor Marian, a Life Director of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and a founder and Life Member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra League, who has given generously of her time and talent during her extraordinary

Marian Bolz

Violinist Monona Suzuki

Pianist Antonio Wu

63-year commitment to the Symphony.

The Gala, put on by the MSOL, supports our commitment to the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s nationally-recognized Education and Community Engagement Programs. Marian Bolz has been a tireless and passionate advocate for the Symphony’s youth education efforts and community outreach.

To reserve a place at the Gala visit madisonsymphony.org/gala.

The cost is $200 per person. Don’t miss being part of this memorable evening of music and celebration.

The Rhapsodie Quartet

PARTIES OF NOTE: 2019 Availability and 2020 Update Thank you to all the hosts, sponsors, and attendees of our 2019 Parties of Note for another successful year! There are still several parties yet to happen and one party with availability: Let’s Tango! on Sunday, October 27. Enjoy Argentinian cuisine accompanied by a tango demonstration and one-hour dance lesson. Visit madisonsymphony.org/parties for more information and to register.

The committee is hard at work finalizing the 2020 lineup! Watch for your passport to arrive in January and register for your favorites!

JOIN A BRIDGE GROUP MSOL sponsors 3 bridge groups: Couple’s Bridge, Men’s Bridge and Ladies’ Bridge. This is a nice way for our members to meet one another in a relaxed and fun social setting. New members can join the Men’s and Ladies’ Bridge groups any time during the year. The Couple’s Bridge Group schedule is made up in late August, so new members who are interested in couples bridge should sign up by mid-August. Please call or email Marilyn Ebben for more information: mvebben@gmail.com or (608) 833-4683.

BEHIND THE MUSIC: An MSOL Discovery Talk Thursday, November 7, 2019 Save the date for an interesting talk about the MSO’s November concert, Joyce Yang Plays Prokofiev, followed by a social hour with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Behind the Music is a special event offered twice each season that is free of charge and open to all MSOL members. The hosts for November 7th are Margaret Murphy and Howard Kidd, who will welcome us to their home. Visit the MSOL website for more details as they become available and to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter:

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.

Discover more: madisonsymphony.org/ msol

madisonsymphony.org/msol.

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News & Stories Ticket sales cover less than half the cost of presenting each Symphony season.

Gifts at any level make it possible for us to share the joy of live classical music with our community. To learn how you or your company/ organization can support MSO programs, please contact Casey Oelkers, Director of Development, at (608) 260-8680 x228.

Discover more: madisonsymphony.org/ support

SEPT., OCT. CONCERTS

LOVE, LUST & REDEMPTION continued

by John DeMain

not programmatically, but in a more general way. For us, this is quintessential Impressionism. We close our concert with, possibly, the greatest of all Dvořák symphonies, his seventh. While his beloved New World Symphony is known to all, this symphony seeks a deeper and more profound feeling. While the scherzo (3rd movement) finds Dvořák calling on his Bohemian roots, the other movements clearly pay tribute to his mentor, Brahms, and his profound compositional technics. The result is a richly satisfying musical canvass that underscores the popularity of this work. This concert throws focus on the wonderful musicians that make up our orchestra, and launches us into orbit for an exciting and revelatory season.

RACHEL BARTON PINE PLAYS KHACHATURIAN continued

by John DeMain

our soloist. I can’t believe we have never done this concerto, because the first time I heard it, I was simply dazzled by its beauty, virtuosity, and charm.

Shostakovich’s Ninth Symphony is simply a delightful musical gem, witty, sarcastic, whimsical and relatively brief as Shostakovich symphonies go. It got the composer into trouble, because Stalin wanted a big pompous work to celebrate his victory at the end of the Second World War, and, instead he got a piece of music that is just that, pure music. As such, it has become a favorite among his symphonies with audiences all over the world. If you don’t know this work, you are in for a real treat.

CONNECT WITH US One of the best ways to keep up with the latest MSO happenings is to join our online social media community!

CALENDAR View our online calendar of concerts, performances and events 24/7 on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.

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SYMPHONY SEASON View our Symphony brochure and discover more about the upcoming 2019–2020 season:

ORGAN SEASON Read our 2019–2020 Organ season brochure and learn more about the season online:

madisonsymphony.org/19-20

madisonsymphony.org/organ19-20

About the Madison Symphony Orchestra With a mission to produce high-quality performances and to educate and entertain audiences of all ages, the Madison Symphony Orchestra enters its 94th season in 2019–2020. Hailed as a “gifted orchestra builder” by The New York Times, Music Director John DeMain has grown the Symphony into one of America’s leading regional orchestras, enriching the cultural and educational environment of Madison and the surrounding area with exquisite performances of the great masterworks and top-tier guest artists from around the world.

In addition, our Education and Community Engagement Programs bring the joy of music to more than 25,000 children and adults annually. These programs are consistently recognized by national agencies including the National Endowment for the Arts, and the League of American Orchestras.

As a resident company of the Overture Center for the Arts, we call Overture Hall home to all Madison Symphony Orchestra concerts and Overture Concert Organ performances, as well as our majestic Klais organ. Joined by the world’s leading guest artists, we are proud to present performances designed to delight your ears and deliver and acoustical experience unlike any other in this world-class concert hall.

We invite you explore this page and all the ways you can experience the magic of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and learn more by visiting our website at madisonsymphony.org.

MSO TICKET INFORMATION SYMPHONY SUBSCRIPTIONS Create your own subscription series and save!

Choose between 5–8 concerts to attend in our 2019–2020 Symphony Season and join our family of subscribers and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. New subscribers save 40% on five concerts and 50% when purchasing tickets to six or more concerts. Explore the Symphony season at madisonsymphony.org/19-20.

ORGAN SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE THROUH 9/6 Subscribe to all four concerts by September 6 for just $63. Discover the Overture Concert Organ season at madisonsymphony.org/organ19-20.

THREE EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE • Online at madisonsymphony.org/subscribe • Call us at (608) 257-3734, Mon. – Fri. from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• By mail or in-person: 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 460, Madison, WI 53703 BUY SINGLE TICKETS Single tickets for all Symphony concerts and Overture Concert Organ performances are available at madisonsymphony.org and through the Overture Center Box Office.

Symphony Single tickets for 2019–2020 season concerts are $19–$95. Seniors (62 and over) and students save 20% in select seating areas, and students can purchase up to two $15 or $20 Student Rush tickets on the day of the concert at the Overture Center Box Office. Discounts are subject to availability and cannot be combined.

Organ All single tickets to any 2019–2020 Overture Concert Organ performance are just $20.

Students can purchase up to two $10 Student Rush tickets on the day of the concert at the Overture Center Box Office. Discounts are subject to availability and cannot be combined.

SYMPHONY FLEX–TICKETS Flex-Ticket booklets of 8 or 10 ticket vouchers are available in A, B, or C/D seating sections. Use them for yourself, as gifts, or bring the entire family. Find out more and purchase online at madisonsymphony.org/flex19-20.

GROUP RATES Groups of 10 or more receive a 25% discount for MSO concerts and a 10% discount for Organ performances. Group rate tickets start at just $14.50. Call us at (608) 260-8680 x222 or visit madisonsymphony.org/groups.

CONTACT Madison Symphony Orchestra Administrative Office 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 460 Madison, WI 53703 Subscriptions/Info: (608) 257-3734 info@madisonsymphony.org madisonsymphony.org Overture Center Box Office 201 State St. Madison, WI 53703 Single Tickets: (608) 258-4141 Ticket Office Hours: Mon. – Fri., 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sat. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Additional hours on Sunday event days. overturecenter.org

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: Cathy Buege Janet Cabot Amanda Dill John DeMain Lisa Kjentvet Casey Oelkers Kathryn Schwarzmann Greg Zelek

Print Partner

Performance Partners

Programs, artists, and dates subject to change.

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222 W. Washington Ave. Suite 460 Madison, WI 53703

YO U R 2 0 1 9 | 2 0 2 0 SY M P H O N Y & O R G A N S E A S O N S

madisonsymphony.org