Memories and reviews by people who experienced our September 23–25 season-opening Symphony concerts!
View more photos and reflections: madisonsymphony.org/moments
And it was a charmed evening. The concert had some of the regular signs of a season opener: the audience was charged, the orchestra excited and DeMain was as energetic as ever. But what set this concert apart was its profound engagement with joy.
— Matt Ambrosio, Cap Times
“Fink is pretty much symbolic of the MSO musicians and a favorite of the audience, so much so that he received not one, but two standing ovations at the Friday performance.
— Bill Wineke, Channel 3000
John DeMain and all the performers are so dedicated to their craft they turn out stunning performances time after time. This concert, however, ranked higher than any other I’d heard. I was transported and so were the others in my party.
— MSO patron
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Oboe Concerto in C major Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D minor
John DeMain, Conducting Marc Fink, Oboe Laquita Mitchell, Soprano
Kirsten Lippart, Mezzo-soprano Jared Esguerra, Tenor
Matt Boehler, Bass
Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director
Myrna Larson
Rosemarie and Fred Blancke Ernest and Louise Borden David and Kato Perlman
Cyrena and Lee Pondrom
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. Wisconsin Arts Board
THE
As we continue our new season of live classical music, we invite you to dive deeper into the music, our guest artists, our musicians, and our organization with our reimagined SCORE publication. We’ve worked intently to develop richer content in an updated format that allows our news and stories to shine, and that highlights exciting upcoming events we have planned for you. From stories about our people, musicians and community to events and education highlights, there truly is something for everyone to discover and experience. Thank you for being a member of our Symphony family.
Symphony communications team,
Rodgers
of Marketing
Dill
Communications
Experience Manager
Joy
Symphony Concerts
Zelek
Performance
Welcome to Patrons by John DeMain
Symphony Story by Robert A. Reed
Notes by Greg Zelek
THE SCORE is published two to three times per concert season for members and friends of the the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Subscribe to the print and/or the online edition at: madisonsymphony.org/score
Editor: Amanda Dill
Creative Direction/Design: Peter Rodgers
Contributing writers: John DeMain, Robert A. Reed, Greg Zelek, Casey Oelkers, Peter Rodgers, Amanda Dill, Lisa Kjentvet, Aleeh Schwoerer, Leah Schultz, Beth Rahko, Barbara Berven, Rosemarie Blancke, Robert Lemanske, Elaine Mischler, Jennifer S. Goldberg, J. Michael Allsen, and Jim Patch.
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© 2022 Madison Symphony Orchestra Inc.
John DeMain, Music Director
Kyle Knox, Associate Conductor
Greg Zelek, Principal Organist and Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ Beverly Taylor, Madison Symphony Chorus Director
Robert A. Reed, Executive Director
Ann Bowen, General Manager
Casey Oelkers, Director of Development
Peter Rodgers, Director of Marketing
Lisa Kjentvet, Director of Education and Community Engagement
Alexis Carreon, Office & Personnel Manager
Jennifer S. Goldberg, Music Librarian
Dan Lyons, Madison Symphony Chorus Manager & Librarian
Leah Schultz, Manager of Individual Giving
Aleeh Schwoerer, Manager of Grants and Sponsorships
Amanda Dill, Marketing
Manager
Lindsey Meekhof, Audience
Manager
Allison Secord, Bolz Marketing Associate
.
FRI. 7:30 PM
SAT. 8:00 PM
SUN. 2:30 PM
. the interplay between Mr. DeMain and Mr. Ehnes was truly an aural and visual delight.
— MSO subscriber
James EhnesI cannot imagine the Barber Violin Concerto more beautifully played than what we anticipate from James Ehnes. Mendelssohn takes us on a Scottish journey with his great third symphony and Strauss’ great tone poem will take us on a spiritual journey as well. Three major works on the same program!
— John DeMain
John DeMain, Conducting James Ehnes, Violin
PROGRAM
Richard Strauss, Death and Transfiguration
Samuel Barber, Violin Concerto
Felix Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 3 in A minor (Scottish)
A violinist in a class of his own.
— The Times
Marvin J. Levy
Rosemarie and Fred Blancke
Martha and Charles Casey
A. Lattman Foundation, Inc.
James and Joan Johnston
Swanson LLP
Arts Board
I was awestruck by James Ehnes’ ability! The encore left me breathless.
— MSO subscriber
madisonsymphony.org/ ehnes
barber strauss mendelssohnWhatever the Naughton twins play, the results are always impeccable and their personalities delightful as well. They are bringing a two piano rarity to us by Max Bruch. Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 will leave you dancing in the aisles and Tchaikovsky’s final symphony has always been a personal favorite of mine. — John DeMain
John DeMain, Conducting Christina and Michelle Naughton, Piano Duo PROGRAM
Arturo Márquez, Danzón No. 2 Max Bruch, Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Pathétique
The textures shimmer like pure gold in bright light, dancing in every conceivable rhythm. They have to be heard to be believed.
— The Washington Post
Audrey Dybdahl, in memory of Philip Dybdahl Howard Kidd and Margaret Murphy Nancy Mohs David and Kato Perlman Peggy and Tom Pyle Skofronick Family Charitable Trust
Dr. Thomas and Leslie France
Melinda V. Heinritz, in memory of her mother, Lynda Kay Vogler von Briesen & Roper, s.c. Wisconsin Arts Board
I have always been a special fan of Richard Strauss’ tone poems and operas. In fact, Der Rosenkavalier and Salome (which Madison Opera is doing for the first time in November) are two of my most favorite operas. Strauss’ moving Death and Transfiguration opens this concert and one should take the time to read the scenario that Strauss had in mind for this composition. It’s been quite a while since the MSO has performed Mendelssohn’s dramatic and exciting “Scottish” symphony. You will clearly hear references to Scottish folk music to add to your listening delight as we complete the evening.
I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to welcome you to our 2022/23 Symphony Season. The things you have grown to love about the MSO will be with you in full force: the brilliant musicians who play in the orchestra, our absolutely premiere roster of guest soloists, our beloved Madison Symphony Chorus, and a highly-contrasting set of programs to move and entertain you throughout the year.
We opened the season in September with a farewell tribute to Marc Fink, who had a long and distinguished career as our principal oboist. When I originally planned the Beethoven birthday celebration, I wanted to frame the opening and closing of the season with the two composers that most influenced his life: Haydn, his teacher, and Mozart. Our concertmaster, Naha Greenholtz, brilliantly performed one of Haydn’s violin concertos last season, and Marc
dazzled us with Mozart’s oboe concerto this season. September’s opening concert was also the crowning concert of our Beethoven belated birthday celebration, his iconic Ninth Symphony, which brought us together to reflect on the dignity and value of all men and women everywhere.
In October, the great violinist James Ehnes makes a much-anticipated return to perform Samuel Barber’s extraordinarily beautiful and exciting violin concerto. Barber is often referred to as the American romantic, and this concerto has achieved a unique place among his many fine compositions.
James Ehnes makes a much-anticipated return to perform Samuel Barber’s extraordinarily beautiful and exciting violin concerto.
James Ehnes
The ever-popular and delightful Naughton twins return with a two-piano rarity by Max Bruch in November. The Naughton twins have had a relationship with the Madison Symphony starting with their grade school years winning our concerto competitions. They now enjoy an international career as an electrifying two piano team. I think you will find the Bruch a most worthy discovery if you’ve never heard it before. Mexican composer Arturo Márquez’ Danzón No. 2 will get all of us toe tapping, and in highly-contrasting fashion, we close the program with a personal favorite of mine, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, the “Pathétique.”
And then comes our annual spectacular Christmas concert in December. This year we feature mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala and baritone Nate Stampley as our vocal soloists, with an always anticipated return of Mike Ross’ Madison Youth Choirs, and Leotha and Tamera Stanley’s Mount Zion Gospel Choir. Serving as the backbone of this stirring traditional concert is Beverly Taylor’s Madison Symphony Chorus in all of its vocal splendor. These wonderful choral directors join me every year to plan this beloved event, and spend months preparing their talented singers for our weekend of performances. In addition, I always like to feature soloists from the orchestra in a short composition
highlighting their musical skills and personalities. Stay tuned for this year’s featured soloist(s).
All this and we’re only halfway through our season! Coming up in the second half of the season are the return of pianist Yefim Bronfman and violinist Blake Pouliot (pool-YACHT), both at the top of their game, along with the debut of the British sensation, pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Our chorus will sing Orff’s enormously popular Carmina Burana , and our Associate Conductor, Kyle Knox, will lead us through an in depth Beyond the Score® presentation of Mahler’s glorious Fourth Symphony. Those are just some of the highlights you can expect in early 2023.
The time spent at a Madison Symphony
The ever-popular and delightful Naughton twins return with a two-piano rarity by Max Bruch in November.
concert allows you to transport yourself with your fellow friends and audience members to the special world of sound, as the language of music fills and delights your senses, and as the musicians visually excite you with their enthusiastic and virtuosic performances. If you haven’t subscribed or bought single tickets to these concerts, it’s not too late to do so. Can you can tell how excited I am by what’s ahead of us this season? I hope you’ll join me and share with me in the excitement of great music performed LIVE!
– John DeMain Music Director
Christina and Michelle Naughtoon
John DeMain invites the audience to join in the Carol Sing-along
Madison Symphony and Opera favorite, Adriana Zabala, joins UW–Madison Alumnus and Broadway star, Nate Stampley, for this season’s Christmas concert. Our traditional partnerships with Madison Youth Choirs, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir and our own Madison Symphony Chorus will continue as we officially kick off the Madison holiday season. — John DeMain
John DeMain, Conducting Adriana Zabala, Mezzo-soprano Nathaniel Stampley, Baritone Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director Madison Youth Choirs, Michael Ross, Artistic Director Mount Zion Gospel Choir, Tamera and Leotha Stanley, Directors
Richard and Pamela Reese, in memory of Maurice and Arlene Reese
Judith and Nick Topitzes
An Anonymous Friend
Flad Architects Hooper Foundation Reinhart, Boerner, van Deuren, s.c.
Arts Board
moving, magical, meditative,
the
It is mind-boggling to me to understand how I got to where I am in life and what prepared me to become the Executive Director of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. When I look at how the odds were stacked up against me, I am amazed to be here right now. Let’s start at the beginning. I was born on April 7, 1964 in the inner city of Louisville, Kentucky, the sixth child out of seven. No family member in generations had ever been musically inclined. It was a different time back then. My father was a laborer at a factory and my mom was a homemaker. We were (and still are) a close-knit family. All seven kids were born in a 10-year period. We are not a family of means but a family full of love and discipline. My parents taught us about God, respect and manners, responsibility, the importance of family, and hard work. Both parents were also our biggest cheerleaders but would knock us off our high horse whenever needed.
My first exposure to the arts came as a fourth grader. I was one of thousands of fourth graders bused to hear The Louisville Orchestra performing a Making Music concert (the equivalent to the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Young
People’s Concert). I remember hearing a symphony orchestra for the first time and being transported. Two young violinists, who were probably a similar age as me, served as the soloists for the concert. While they were performing, I remember thinking that there was no reason why I shouldn’t be able to perform great music, too. The seed was planted and all I needed was the plan.
The day after the school concert, I walked into the band room and told the band director I wanted to join the band. He asked me what instrument I wanted to play. I pointed to a black cylindrical instrument that I remembered hearing at the concert. He told me it was the clarinet. A clarinetist was born that day. I quickly excelled in band and fell in love with music. As a fifth grader, I desired to learn more and more. I did my research and saw that the University of Louisville had a preparatory department and gave scholarships for private lessons. I needed the scholarship to be able to take lessons. The night before the audition, I realized that I left the music for the audition in my school locker… and the school was closed and locked! Most people would have cancelled the audition, but I didn’t. I went into the audition on Saturday morning and played for 30 minutes without music. It worked. I was offered a scholarship to private lessons throughout high school.
In the sixth grade, I was selected to the Jefferson County Pep Band and we performed on the White House grounds. During my high school years, I attended the Youth Performing Arts School and was able to excel in music. As an eleventh grader, I was able to perform in the University of Louisville Band, since my school was a few short blocks from the School of Music. Fortunately, I also did well in academics. I had very strong math and science skills and was being recruited by engineering firms. My parents foresaw that I was going to be the only child to go to college and graduate. In my senior year of high school, I told my parents that I was going to college. They were so happy! Then I shared that I was going to major in music. Let’s just say that they were NOT happy with that news! In their eyes, I was to be an engineer. Music was not a legitimate career in their eyes. As with everything else in my life, I had to produce a plan to achieve my goals. I had to convince my parents that I should be able to major in music, especially since they were not paying any portion of my college. Fortunately, I won that conversation! Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I had to develop a tough skin. As an African American living in the inner city, whose loves were symphonic music, books, the arts, and school, I was teased constantly from all around me. There were days I felt like no one liked or understood me and I thought something must be wrong with me. I felt disowned by my own community and not welcomed by other communities. Despite all these challenges and many tears, I was still determined to pursue music, as I could not imagine a life without it.
Fast forward, I attended and graduated from the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music (CCM) with a bachelor’s degree in music performance in 1987 and a master’s degree in music performance in 1989. I had a wonderful time during college, got to perform as a clarinetist with my excellent ensembles, and even got to tour London and Paris
with the CCM Philharmonic. I also became knowledgeable of the reality of how difficult it would be to become a clarinetist in a major symphony orchestra. As with all other challenges in my life, I learned to create and execute a Plan B. My Plan B was to become an arts administrator. During the second year of my graduate degree, I did research and heard of the Orchestra Management Fellowship Program from what was then called the American Symphony Orchestra League (now the League of American Orchestras). I knew it would be a long shot to be selected because I didn’t have an MBA or an Arts Administration degree, but it didn’t stop me from applying. I was one of eight selected to become an Orchestra Management Fellow in the 1989-1990 season. As a Fellow, I would be assigned to several orchestras and gain experience in all aspects of orchestra management.
You would think my life would be easy moving forward, but it was just the opposite. I was assigned to the New York Philharmonic for four months, the Florida West Coast Symphony for four months and the Houston Symphony for four months. I remember hearing from orchestra officials that I would fail and they were waiting for me to prove that I was not cut out to be an arts administrator. While that year was very challenging, never did my desire to become an arts administrator waver.
Over the past 32 years, I have had an exciting professional career in arts management. I have worked with orchestras of different budget sizes and scopes, in different parts of the country and in different capacities. I have experienced the highs of leading orchestras from the brink of destruction, creating exciting concerts and programs, reversing downward trends and being an active member of communities. I have also experienced many lows. I have had orchestra representatives tell me that I am not the “right type” for their orchestra, headhunters refusing
to consider me for positions despite my being highly qualified, being regularly mistaken as the security guy, and feeling alone and not accepted. I have been employed by major, regional and smaller orchestras across the country over the past 32 years. I have worked with amazing classical, pops and educational guest artists, participated in many live and studio recordings, served on the teams for international, U.S. and regional tours, and expanded the base of symphony patrons within the communities they serve.
I am a truly blessed and happy man! At 58, I know who I am. I know what I am excellent at and what I am capable of doing. I know what cities would be a good fit for me to reside in and what cities I need to avoid. I know how to say no. Strangely enough, I was offered a job with another arts organization a month before Madison, but I declined the job because the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) was the job that felt right to me and worth waiting for. The MSO is an excellent arts organization. It was an easy choice for me to want to become the Executive Director of this orchestra. The artistic level is extraordinarily high. The MSO’s performance home, Overture Center for the Arts, rivals many performing arts centers in major cities. The MSO has wide community support and respect. It is not alive because of one or two donors but because the community loves it and supports it. The MSO has a strong financial structure and has the capacity to grow and become an even more active part of Madison, Dane County and even the state of Wisconsin.
Even with all these superlatives, the MSO has challenges. COVID-19 has negatively affected us. We, like most arts organizations across the country, need to rebuild and grow our audience. We need to go out into the community more and make sure the entire community knows we are here for them. We need to plan ahead for how best to celebrate some
I also want to ensure that the Madison Symphony Orchestra is here to serve all people of different ages, colors, backgrounds, socio-economic levels and musical tastes.
significant anniversaries in the coming years. We need to continually cultivate our patron base. The reality is that we lose donors and ticket buyers every year due to major changes in people’s lives. We must continually work to add patrons. There is nothing better for an orchestra than to experience full houses and audiences wanting more. I also want to ensure that the Madison Symphony Orchestra is here to serve all people of different ages, colors, backgrounds, socio-economic levels and musical tastes.
The 2022–2023 Season of the Madison Symphony Orchestra opened in late September with a bang! With an orchestra and chorus and five guest artists, all conducted by John DeMain, the audience experienced approximately 200 quality musicians onstage making the music of Mozart and Beethoven come alive. There will be seven additional subscription concerts during the season (one Friday-Saturday-Sunday performance weekend per month between October and May, with the exception of March), a single Beyond the Score® performance in March, a growing and dynamic Overture Concert Organ series, and numerous education and community programs for audiences of all ages. It will be a wonderful season! I hope you enjoy it and that you will be part of the Madison Symphony Orchestra family for years to come. I look forward to greeting many of you at the concerts and other events in the months ahead.
– Robert A. Reed Executive Director
Thanks to everyone who experienced
Overture Concert Organ series
performance
Greg makes the whole performance a joy.
I love Greg’s warmth and I just love hearing the beautiful organ. We are extremely gifted to have Greg and the organ . . .
Greg is not only a highly skilled organist, but also a great entertainer.
Greg Zelek, Organ PROGRAM
Paul Fey, Toccata
Claude Debussy, Clair de Lune
J.S. Bach, Gigue Fugue and “Little” Fugue in G minor John Weaver, Fantasia
Florence Price, Adoration
César Franck, Grand Pièce Symphonique
Greg is an outstanding talent both musically and with his charisma.
Audrey Dybdahl, in memory of Philip Dybdahl Friends of the Overture Concert Organ
Known for his dazzling and imaginative playing, Christopher Houlihan will make his debut at Overture Hall performing Liszt’s towering Fantasy and Fugue on “Ad nos, ad salutarem undam.”
Mr. Houlihan will demonstrate his incredible musicianship and artistry in this tour de force. Mr. Houlihan will also perform a work that includes a narrated “tour” of the organ, with variations based on an American folk tune, and I will have the pleasure of narrating as the organ is explored. — Greg Zelek
PROGRAM J.S. Bach, Prelude and Fugue in A minor Robert Edward Smith, An Introduction to the King of Instruments: Variations on an American Folk Tune Franz Liszt, Fantasy and Fugue on “Ad nos, ad salutarem undam”
bach
Christopher Houlihan, Organ
Shirley Spade, in memory of Gerald Spade Walter and Karen Pridham Charitable Fund
I can’t think of a better way to have ended the 21-22 season than with one of the largest organ audiences in the history of our program! It was a joy to share the stage with the remarkable musicians of the Diapason Brass and Timpani, and John Jutsum and I are already planning our next collaboration. I then performed a week later for our biannual Voices of Spring fundraiser with my high school friend and soprano, Evelyn Saavedra. It was not only incredibly satisfying to have the beautiful event on the Overture stage after delaying it a year due to Covid, but we were also grateful that this was our highest grossing Voices of Spring event to date.
It was wonderful to have our Farmers’ Market Concerts again this Summer, and Andrew Schaeffer and Anna Myeong delighted the Saturday morning audience with excellent playing and inventive programming. While I didn’t plan to perform for our final Farmers’ Market concert, our guest performer, Raphael Vogl, was unable to arrive in Madison due to canceled flights, and I had the pleasure of jumping in at the last minute and playing for a very appreciative audience.
will not only showcase all of the different colors and dynamic range of our Klais, but also Mr. Houlihan’s virtuosity and creative interpretation.
I had the honor of being interviewed by one of the premier organ journals, the Diapason Magazine , in August. This feature gave me the opportunity to discuss a bit about my position as Curator and Principal Organist of the MSO, as well as share the success of our unique program and express my gratitude for our audience and supporters. The article also highlights our special Carol Sing event, which I will again host and perform for this coming holiday season on Saturday, December 3rd at 11am. That interview can be found on their website: thediapason.com.
I can’t wait for the rest of the season!
I spent much of the Summer preparing for our events next season, as well as recording my debut organ CD on the Overture Concert Organ that was released at my September 27th concert that opened the 22-23 organ season. I performed many of the works that I recorded on this album, including Cesar Franck’s momentous Grande Pièce Symphonique . Just as its title would suggest, this work is a grand symphony for the King of Instruments and the perfect way to celebrate Franck’s bicentennial.
On October 25th, world-renowned organist Christopher Houlihan will make his Overture Hall debut, performing Franz Liszt’s towering Fantasy and Fugue on “Ad nos, ad salutarem undam,” among other works. This masterpiece
madisonsymphony.org/ organ
Greg Zelek with the Diapason Brass & Timpani
The MSO’s Education and Community Engagement Programs ended on a high note last season, from a thrilling Final Forte performance to a free Family Concert for our community. We reflect with gratitude on the amazing events that took place throughout the spring to enrich lives and share the joy of classical music.
The Final Forte, the culminating round of the Bolz Young Artist Competition, was held in April before a live audience in Overture Hall at the Overture Center for the Arts and broadcast live on PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio. Four gifted young violinists performed with the Madison Symphony Orchestra led by Associate Conductor Kyle Knox: Zak Chen, Clark Snavely, Jane Story and Ellen Zhou.
Congratulations to the first-place winner violinist Ellen Zhou who performed the Lalo Symphony Espagnole , Movement 1! She was awarded the Marian Bolz Prize for Distinguished Musical Achievement and a $2,000 scholarship. Ellen, now a senior at Middleton High School, began violin lessons at the age of five and currently studies with Almita Vamos, violin instructor at the Music Institute of Chicago and Roosevelt University.
The Madison Symphony is delighted to showcase young talent, providing these artists with a valuable learning experience and supporting their music education. Second place went to Clark Snavely who was awarded the Steenbock Youth Music Award and a $2,000 scholarship. Honorable Mentions went to Zak Chen and Jane Story who each received a $1,000 scholarship. All four finalists performed with tremendous heart and passion!
“Throughout my childhood, I avidly followed the Bolz Young Artist Competition, making sure to go to each year’s Final Forte concert. I would sit in the first row of the Overture Center, marveling over the true passion I could see in each and every competitor’s performance. As I entered high school, I saw more and more of my peers from WYSO and around the state reaching the glowing stage of the Overture Center. I think having a goal is something that helps young musicians grow to their fullest potential, and the Bolz Competition, to me, was the grand prize, at least for my high school dreams.
I practiced and practiced, thinking of the moment I might actually make it to the grand stage, with the bright lights spinning off the face of my violin. Getting to perform with the MSO was everything I had thought it to be, and more. Being able to play in the Final Forte was truly an honor and privilege.”
– Ellen Zhou
Violinist Ellen Zhou, 2022 Bolz Young Artist Competition Winner at The Final Forte, April 2022
Ellen Zhou was also the featured soloist on the Spring Young People’s Concert in April, inspiring an audience of her middle and high school aged peers with her outstanding performance. The concert marked the joyous return of our Young People’s Concerts, our first live performance for a school audience in more than two years. The orchestra was led by Associate Conductor Kyle Knox in a program that included two movements from The Planets by Holst and the delightful Danzón No. 2 by Márquez which is programmed for the November concert this season.
The Madison Symphony has been a Link Up partner with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute since 2013, joining a network of over 100 orchestras worldwide to co-present this highly-interactive education program. Link Up is a music education program created by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute that unites the classroom and the concert hall, giving 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. In May, a culminating concert brought the students and their recorders into Overture’s Capitol Theater to play, sing and dance with the orchestra during an engaging concert led by guest conductor, Randal Swiggum. During this season, the MSO presented The Orchestra Sings, which explored the concept of melody. The Madison Symphony received beautiful thank you notes from the students at Van Hise Elementary School.
“Your music really touched me! Your music was alive, powerful and amazing! It showed how much dedication it took and the hard work you put into it! My favorite song was Firebird. All the instruments blended so beautifully together. I also loved the end of Firebird! It was really powerful!”
“Thank you, MSO, for making my day! You guys are amazing!”
“I really enjoyed watching you play. I liked how all the bows moved in the same way. All the bows moved down then up. We have strings class and all the bows always move differently. I really liked playing Simple Gifts. I felt like I was in the orchestra. Thank you so much for making this show possible with your amazing music!”
In lieu of our traditional Symphony Soup concert for early elementary students, we piloted a Family Concert to serve an audience of all ages. Hailed as an opportunity to “Meet Your Madison Symphony,” the concert was free and open to public, designed to introduce our musicians and the instruments of the orchestra to the audience. Held on a Saturday in June in the Capitol Theater at the Overture Center for the Arts, Kyle Knox led the orchestra in works by Rossini, Stravinsky and Prokofiev. The concert featured a performance by pianist Angelina Chang, the first-place winner of the 2021 Fall Youth Concerto Competition, who played Beethoven’s Concerto for Piano No. 3, 1st movement. Angelina was an eighth grader at Velma Hamilton Middle School last year and has been playing piano since she was four. Her current piano teachers are Ms. Julie Chang and Ms. Lina Lee, and her former teacher was Ms. Jung Won Lim. The concert was a wonderful success and well-received by an incredibly warm and appreciative audience as evidenced in the following response from a concert attendee: “I just wanted to send a note of thanks and appreciation for the family series orchestra concert this past weekend on Saturday afternoon. Music has played such an important role in my life and I was able to bring my almost 3-year-old son to the performance this weekend for his first orchestral experience! What a wonderful offering to have at the Overture Center! From the musical selections, the friendly staff ushering us in, the information provided by the conductor and the screen behind the orchestra, as well as the beautiful music — it was the perfect setting for my son to experience live classical music for the first time. I used to work in the arts for a theater in Chicago, so I know how much work goes into performances like this, to make them approachable and successful for a varied audience, but please know that your work is much appreciated! We will be back next time!”
The MSO is excited to announce a wonderful endowment gift from donors Patricia Kokotailo and R. Lawrence DeRoo to endow and name a prominent position in the orchestra, Assistant Principal Cello: The Patricia Kokotailo and R. Lawrence DeRoo Chair. Their gift becomes part of the MSO’s permanent endowment, held by the Madison Symphony Orchestra Foundation, and will provide annual support to offset the personnel expenses of this position. The Assistant Principal Cello chair is currently held by cellist Mark Bridges.
While neither Pat nor Larry have a specific connection with the cello, orchestral music has been a part of their lives for many years. Growing up in the Philadelphia area, Pat attended young people’s concerts and other programming by the Philadelphia Orchestra. While pursuing her education and early career, she attended concerts by the Baltimore Symphony and Chicago Symphony Orchestras. Larry was raised outside of Chicago, and discovered
symphonic music a bit later than Pat. “I took music appreciation in college, and then I started attending concerts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other visiting orchestras who performed in Chicago,” he explains.
Pat and Larry have attended MSO concerts since 1989 and have been season subscribers since the opening of Overture Hall in 2004. Pat shares, “We knew we wanted to attend concerts, but because we were both pretty busy with our careers, we started out buying occasional concerts one at a time. Sometimes, at the end of a long week and despite our best intentions, we’d forget to go or we’d decide we were too tired! When Overture Hall opened, we decided to become subscribers. That way, the concerts were fixed on the schedule and we could better plan for them.”
“Over the years we’ve been attending Madison Symphony concerts, we’ve loved hearing some of the same worldfamous guest artists, such as Emanuel Ax, whom we’d heard perform with other orchestras. We also love hearing the younger, up and coming guest artists, many of whom have returned more than once to perform with the Madison Symphony in the years we’ve been attending.” Pat adds.
As longtime subscribers and annual donors, Pat and Larry recently decided they wanted to do something to help support the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s future. “We feel it is important to do what we can to support the Orchestra and help ensure its long-term health in our community,” Larry says. “The opportunity to make an endowment gift and name a chair is a perfect way for us to do that, and we think we’ll feel an even more personal connection to the orchestra each time we attend a concert.”
Pat is retired from the UW–Madison Department of Pediatrics, and Larry is retired from a career in nonprofit management. They have enjoyed having more leisure time for travel, gardening, and other pursuits. Please join us in thanking Pat and Larry for their generous endowment gift!
Several prominent positions in the orchestra are available for naming, as well as numerous section chairs. To learn more about endowment naming opportunities and requirements, visit madisonsymphony.org/endowment or contact Director of Development, Casey Oelkers, at coelkers@ madisonsymphony.org or (608) 2608680 x228 . All inquiries will be handled confidentially.
“We feel it is important to do what we can to support the Orchestra and help ensure its long-term health in our community . . .”
– R. Lawrence DeRoo
The Madison Symphony Orchestra is delighted to welcome Steinhilber Swanson LLP as a first-time concert sponsor and thanks them for their generous support of the October concerts featuring violinist James Ehnes.
Founded in 1980 by Jack D. Steinhilber (who served as Wisconsin State Senator) and Vernon A. Swanson, the law firm of Steinhilber Swanson LLP has grown from one Oshkosh location to a 15-lawyer, three-office (adding Madison and Milwaukee) powerhouse of some of the most talented attorneys in the state of Wisconsin. The downtown Madison office is Steinhilber Swanson LLP’s largest, and they practice in all the state and federal courts here, with a concentration on bankruptcy and restructuring, commercial litigation, estate planning, real estate, and family law.
Steinhilber Swanson LLP has a deep commitment to supporting their communities’ important cultural institutions. Michael Richman, partner at Steinhilber Swanson LLP and MSO Board Member, stated, “The MSO is one of the nation’s premier symphony orchestras and a Wisconsin treasure. Through our relationship with the MSO, we are able not only to support the performance of the world’s greatest musical compositions by equally worldclass musicians, but to come together to enjoy it with a remarkably diverse and appreciative audience.”
Many of Steinhilber Swanson LLP’s partners support their communities’ cultural institutions. One Steinhilber Swanson LLP partner is the incoming President of the Board of Directors of the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, a leading Wisconsin chamber music organization based in Madison (some of whose members are MSO musicians). The firm’s support of the arts in Wisconsin also includes major support of the Oshkosh Jazzfest. Steinhilber Swanson LLP also supports other Wisconsin state and community charities, including the Wisconsin Bar Foundation.
Richman reflected, “As a law firm, we live and work in our community and have a vested interest in contributing to its continued vitality. Giving back by supporting the MSO is one of the best ways we know to further those important interests and enjoy the great music and comradery with the MSO and audience that goes along with it.”
Adopt-a-Stop is an initiative of the Friends of the Overture Concert Organ and the Madison Symphony Orchestra to raise funds for the Organ Endowment. Donors are invited to make gifts at tiered levels to adopt a pipe, stop or other part of the Overture Concert Organ in their own name, or in the name of loved ones. Thanks to donors’ recent generosity, the following adoptions were recently added:
Lau and Bea Christensen Great Principal 16’ – C2
Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for the person who already has everything? Consider adopting a pipe in their honor. To learn more about the Adopt-a-Stop program and view minimum gift requirements, visit madisonsyphony.org/adoptastop .
“The MSO is one of the nation’s premier symphony orchestras and a Wisconsin treasure.”
– Michael RichmanCarol and John Toussaint with Greg Zelek
by Leah Schultz, Manager of Individual Giving
On June 9, approximately 75 of our most generous individual supporters gathered at Olbrich Botanical Gardens for our annual donor appreciation event, An Evening of Gratitude. The pleasant weather allowed attendees to take in the beauty of an early summer evening at the Botanical Gardens before settling in for the celebration that included a cocktail hour, a delicious meal, and remarks by Director of Development Casey Oelkers, Executive Director Robert Reed, and Music Director John DeMain. The evening culminated in a captivating performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet featuring MSO musicians JJ Koh, Hillary Hempel, Peter Miliczky, Christopher Dozoryst and Mark Bridges.
Individual donors who contribute gifts of $2,500 or more to the Annual Fund receive an invitation to this special event. Thank you to all who attended the 2022 Evening of Gratitude! It was an honor to recognize you and the MSO programs your generosity supports! For information about this and other donor benefits, visit madisonsymphony.org/ individual
Each season, a growing number of individual donors make a tremendous impact by giving to the MSO through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Contributing through a DAF or IRA allows donors to make meaningful contributions to support the Symphony’s mission while maximizing tax benefits. Learn more about these two ways to give, below.
Donor Advised Funds are essentially a charitable savings account. Over time, donors contribute cash, stocks, and other assets to a DAF which is usually managed by a financial institution or a community foundation. These funds are then invested and appreciate tax-free, and you may recommend distributions to the nonprofit(s) of your choice.
Benefits of contributing through a Donor Advised Fund:
• Receive an immediate maximum tax deduction when you contribute to your DAF
• Support multiple charities from one charitable vehicle
• There are typically no start-up costs for establishing a DAF and no transaction fees. Typically, 100% of your recommended grants go to the charities of your choice. Contact your financial advisor for more information about setting up a DAF.
Individual Retirement Accounts allow individuals who are age 70 ½ or older to make gifts directly from their IRA to qualified charities without paying income tax on the withdrawal.
• Individuals 70 ½ years of age or older can transfer up to $100,000 directly from an IRA to the MSO without realizing any taxable income
• Individuals aged 72 and older can also satisfy their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) through a contribution to the MSO
Please note that gifts made through DAFs and IRAs must be fully charitable. For more information or support in making a gift from an IRA or DAF, please contact Manager of Individual Giving, Leah Schultz at lschultz@madisonsymphony.org or (608) 257-3734
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Please always consult your financial advisor to determine how donating through a DAF or IRA applies to your unique situation.
2021–2022
It was an absolute joy to return to Overture Hall for the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s 2021-2022 Season! With the help of our amazing production staff, especially our General Manager, Ann Bowen, we overcame many significant COVID-19 related challenges, such as social distancing, regular testing, and last-minute substitutions when members of the orchestra became ill. By no small miracle, we performed our entire season from September through May with no significant disruptions.
Due to Dane County’s masking requirements, which prevented us from opening the season with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, we devised an alternate program for strings, organ and timpani. Our Rhapsodie Quartet and Principal Organist Greg Zelek starred in works by
Elgar and Poulenc, and our incredible 60-piece string ensemble dazzled us with Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings .
Throughout the season, we welcomed stunning guest artists such as pianists Olga Kern and Garrick Ohlsson, violinists Gil Shaham and Kelly Hall-Tompkins, and cellist Thomas Mesa. We demonstrated our commitment to programming works by diverse composers in November with the Lyric for Strings by Pulitzer Prizewinning composer, George Walker, and in January with Wynton Marsalis’ Violin Concerto, an absolutely masterful work that demanded top-level virtuosity by the orchestra and violinist Kelly HallTompkins. Our annual Christmas concerts and collaboration with the Madison Symphony Chorus, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, Madison Youth Choirs and guest opera stars Jared Esguerra and Elizabeth Caballero, unofficially kicked off the Christmas season. In February, our dynamic Associate Conductor Kyle Knox and incredible actors from American Players Theatre took us “Beyond the Score®” of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring , in a unique multi-media format created by the Chicago Symphony that has become very popular with our Madison audience over the last several years.
And, we (finally!) celebrated Beethoven’s 250th birthday, showcasing many works from his Heroic period: his “Eroica” Symphony, his “Emperor” Piano Concerto (Garrick Ohlsson), his Violin Concerto (Gil Shaham), his sublime Missa Solemnis featuring the Madison Symphony Chorus and guest opera soloists (including my two stars from the opera “Blue”), his “Egmont” Overture, and of course one of the most famous works in all of orchestral music, his Fifth Symphony. In December, we threw a birthday party for Beethoven, with two all-Beethoven chamber music concerts featuring MSO musicians and special guests, and a reception with balloons, birthday cake and champagne.
“The range of emotion was almost overwhelming. We left exhausted and quite literally stunned after one of the most profoundly stirring experiences in our decades of attending MSO concerts. Truly a triumphant performance.”
– Audience member (April)
“This was an absolutely extraordinary concert. Each of the works on the program, being quite diverse in character, were prepared and performed to the highest standards.”
– Audience Member (March)
“Greg is a genius on the organ! I could listen to him all day. I have invited several family members to attend concerts with me and we are all awed by Greg’s abilities! He is amazing!” – MSO patron
Our Principal Organist and Curator of the Overture Concert Organ, Greg Zelek, crafted a highly engaging and varied Organ Season, attracting some of our largest audiences to date. We continue to marvel at the growing popularity of these programs featuring our amazing Klais organ. If you have not yet attended an organ concert, try to get to one soon!
Outside of the ticketed concerts, MSO musicians brought music out into our community. The Rhapsodie Quartet presented the amazing HeartStrings® music therapy-inspired program for people with special needs, and the Hunt Quartet musicians introduced young children to their instruments and basic musical concepts through Up Close & Musical® visits to area elementary schools. While we were not able to bring back our full array of young people’s concert programming, due to the ongoing pandemic, we successfully reinstated the Link Up concerts conducted by Randal Swiggum, whom many of you know from our concert prelude discussions, as well as the Bolz Young Artist Competition/Final Forte and the Spring Young People’s
Concert, conducted by Kyle Knox. These education programs, plus our first-ever Free Family Concert, provided opportunities for meaningful connection between the MSO and our community.
The orchestra and I are thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director, Robert A. Reed, to the Symphony Family. We are already hard at work planning the future seasons that will take us to our 100th Anniversary (2025-2026) and beyond.
Thank you to all who joined us this past season, and thank you for your cooperation with the health-related restrictions that were in place for everyone’s safety. Your presence, support, and applause mean the world to us. I look forward to seeing you back in Overture Hall for our exciting 2022–2023 Season!
– John DeMain Music Director22 competitors, 4 winners, $6,000 in prizes awarded, 60,000+ people reached through statewide broadcasts of “Wisconsin Young Artists Compete:
The Final Forte” on PBS Wisconsin and WPR
children from 31 schools
adults and children attended
music
locations (assisted living
individuals reached
classical music
Family Concert
After much anticipation, the Madison Symphony Orchestra presented its 2021-2022 Concert Season in its entirety, without cancellations. John DeMain has provided a detailed recap of the 2021–2022 Season on pages 19–20.
Continuing pandemic-related uncertainties as we planned the return to Overture Hall caused the Board of Directors to approve a conservative FY 2021–2022 budget. Below are a summary of key budget components and elements of MSO’s financial life.
Thanks to our enthusiastic audience members who were hungry for live music after the cancellation of the 20202021 season, we had strong positive subscription and single ticket sales. Thus we finished with a nearly 100% overage against a very conservative ticket budget.
Likewise, thanks to our generous donors, we had a very successful year in development, exceeding our $2,631,000 contributed revenue goal by 49%. Individual giving was exceptional, and an unbudgeted $890,000 Shuttered Venue Operator Grant boosted our government funding far above usual levels.
Personnel and other production expenses for our concerts and education programs came in below budget after last fall’s pivot to a strings-only September concert and the cancellation of the Fall Youth Concerts. Administrative expenses came in below budget, primarily due to staffing vacancies, including the Executive Director position, which remained vacant for most of FY22.
The resulting FY 2021-2022 surplus becomes part of our operating reserves. With the continued support of our trusting patrons and donors, the Symphony is well-positioned to continue serving our current audience, and to prioritize opportunities and strategies to grow the audience and expand the Symphony’s reach into the community.
A national search identified our new Executive Director, Robert A. Reed, who assumed his position this past June. His wealth of experience in orchestra management and related roles will serve MSO well, and his introductory letter on pages 10–11 provides insight into his vision for the Symphony.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Advisors, thank you to everyone who attended a concert or event, made a contribution, volunteered for a committee or special project, or shared your enthusiasm for the Madison Symphony Orchestra last season! With your support, the Symphony continues to shine brightly as one of Madison’s cultural gems.
– Ellsworth Brown President, Board of Directorsknow
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by Beth Rahko, Concert on the Green Co-Chair
On Monday, June 20, 2022, the Madison Symphony Orchestra League presented the 26th Annual Concert on the Green at Bishops Bay on the shore of beautiful Lake Mendota. Concert on the Green is the MSOL’s most longstanding and successful fundraiser, presented as a benefit for the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Education and Community Engagement Programs. This year’s Concert on the Green was all the more special because the event was not held in either of the previous two summers due to the pandemic, and because, despite the heat, there was no rain all day! My husband, Peter Rahko, and I served as this year’s Co-Chairs. We would like to extend a very special thanks to the Concert on the Green Committee, the MSO Staff, and the many volunteers who orchestrated this wonderful event.
The day began with a scramble format golf tournament involving 120 golfers playing 18 holes (the highest number of golfers in recent memory). The highlight of the day was the exuberant presence of Professor Mike Leckrone, UW Marching Band Director emeritus, who graciously served as our Honorary Golf
Chair. Professor Leckrone was present throughout the day to greet golfers and pose for photos. Fabulous prizes were awarded, and a foursome from American Printing won the trophy. Special thanks to Carole Schaeffer, who chaired this year’s golf committee.
The evening festivities began with a cocktail hour at the clubhouse which included margaritas, hors d’oeuvres, and the opportunity to participate in our annual Sweepstakes, which offered amazing prizes. Guests then moved under the large lakeside tent for a private concert by members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Associate Conductor Kyle Knox. The highlight of the concert was a stunning solo performance by 16-yearold violinist Clark Snavely, a winner of
the 2022 Bolz Young Artist Competition. Professor Leckrone took the podium for one piece, as did special guest Lynn Van Campen, who won the opportunity to conduct the orchestra through a silent auction in 2018. Following the concert, guests enjoyed a gourmet picnic dinner served by the fabulous Bishops Bay staff. In total, over 430 guests attended the evening festivities, and many individuals responded generously to a double matching gift appeal that was announced from the stage.
We would like to thank all the generous businesses and individuals who sponsored the event, and everyone who golfed, attended the evening, and/ or made gifts of support. In total, the 2022 Concert on the Green netted over $62,000!
We invite you to save the date of Monday, June 19, 2023, for the 2023 Concert on the Green at Bishops Bay.
View photos and learn morre: madisonsymphony.org/cog
Associate Conductor Kyle Knox conducted the orchestra and violinist Clark Snavely Golfers with Mike Leckrone Guests at the concert and dinner
“Third time’s a charm” proved to be prophetic words for MSOL’s Symphony Gala Planning Committee. After two COVID-related cancellations, the committee was finally able to bring to fruition its plans for a festive evening devoted to a shared enjoyment of classical music.
On Friday, September 9, 179 music lovers gathered at The Madison Concourse Hotel to celebrate the 97th season of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the bestowal of the 2022 John DeMain Award for Outstanding Commitment to Music. Guests were welcomed to the cocktail reception by the vocal harmonies and instrumental skills of The Honey Pies, a local jazz/contemporary music ensemble sponsored by Beth and Peter Rahko. Against that musical backdrop, friends greeted one another with animated conversation and obvious joy at being reunited for this longawaited event. Emcee Norman Gilliland, of Wisconsin Public Radio fame, then invited guests to the concert part of the evening. Sponsored by Elaine and Nick Mischler, Ellen Zhou, a Middleton
High School senior and winner of the 2022 Bolz Young Artist Competition, dazzled the audience with her virtuosic performance of two movements from Henryk Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor . She was followed by the gifted musicians of The Rhapsodie Quartet who, under the sponsorship of Kato Perlman, played selected movements from Dvorák’s String Quartet in G Major and Beethoven’s String Quartet in C Major . Then, as a surprise to the event’s guest of honor Judith Topitzes, the quartet played Scott Joplin’s Solace from a hand-written transcription of the piece penned by Judith’s father, a band and orchestra teacher.
Moving to the dining room, guests found their places at tables set with emerald green and gold linens and elegant centerpieces featuring orchids as the event’s signature flower, along with gold manzanita branches and glittering crystals. As a special touch, emerald green napkins had been folded to resemble orchids, each adorned with a small white silk orchid. While enjoying a delicious dinner, the guests were entertained by strolling violinist Carol Carlson, sponsored by Carolyn White.
After that, it was time for The Main Event. Representing Capitol Lakes, executive director Tim Conroy expressed his retirement community’s pride in
sponsoring the John DeMain Award for Outstanding Commitment to Music. The Maestro himself then stepped to the microphone and spoke eloquently of Judith Topitzes’s tireless efforts on behalf of Madison’s music community. He lauded her countless contributions as a member and former president of the Madison Symphony Orchestra League and her dedicated service on the Boards of Directors of the Madison Symphony and Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras. As Judith made her way to the stage, the audience rose as one to applaud her for giving so generously of her time and talent. Gala Committee Co-Chairs Kathryn Belaire and Barbara Berven presented Judith with a beautiful crystal vase, inscribed with her name as the recipient of the 2022 John DeMain Award. Judith was most gracious in accepting her award, thanking her parents for instilling in her a passion for music and gratefully acknowledging the unwavering support she has received from her husband Nick, her family, and her many friends in the music community.
In the end, the Gala netted over $52,000. It was an evening worth waiting for.
View photos and discover more: madisonsymphony.org/gala
Violinist Ellen Zhou John DeMain and Judith Topitzes
Co-Chairs Barbara Berven and Kathy Belaire, Music Director John DeMain, Judith Topitzes
MSO’s Rhapsodie Quartet
The 2022 Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting took place on Thursday, May twelve at Maple Bluff Country Club.
MSOL President Nancy Young welcomed members and guests. After a lovely luncheon, violinist Ellen Zhou and her accompanist presented a musical interlude. Ellen is the 2022 Final Forte winner.
Music Director John DeMain spoke of the vital role MSOL plays in helping to promote music in the community.
New Executive Director Robert Reed introduced himself.
The business meeting followed. The slate of officers 2022/23 was presented and accepted. Nancy Young, MSOL President 2022/23 closed the meeting.
Save the date:
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Location: Maple Bluff Country Club
MID-WINTER LUNCHEON
Save the date:
Thursday, February 23, 2023 Location: The Madison Club
MSOL Bridge groups include Couples Marathon, Ladies’ Bridge, and Men’s Bridge. These are social events and a great way to meet other MSOL members. The Couples Bridge schedule is already set for the coming year, but players interested in the Ladies’ and Men’s groups are welcome to join at any time during the year. Please contact Marilyn Ebben for information on the Ladies’ Bridge ( mvebben@gmail.com or 608-833-4683 ) or Jim Patch ( jimpatch@hotmail.com or 608-284-9393 ).
– Jim Patch
Mens’ Bridge is played the first Thursday of each month. It is a relaxed and friendly match. We play at Maple Bluff and start with a nice lunch at 11:30 am. We play 20 hands and usually finish up around 3:30 pm. Winners walk away with cash prizes. We are always looking for players. If you know of anyone who would like to join, please have them contact Jim Patch at jimpatch@hotmail.com . You do not have to commit to the entire year, you can come when you are free.
The Madison Symphony Orchestra League welcomes these new members
(as of August 19, 2022):
Ruth Arnold Nancy Baillies
Dee Baldock
Jolene Birkelo
R. Lawrence DeRoo & Patricia Kokotailo
John Erikson
Kristine Euclide & Douglas Steege
Kathryn Forde
Robert Gersbach
Carl & Peggy Glassford
Jane Graham
Susan Harris
Charlotte Haug
Susan & Les Hoffman
Marilyn January
Mary & Scott Kolar
Gundega Korsts
Erna & Keith Kostuch
Shirley Krsinich
Constance Lavine & Fred Holtzman
Steve Limbach
Noël Marie & Steven Klapper
Beverly Mark & Susan Crowley
Ronald Nief & Joanna Kutter
Peter & Kathleen Ogden
Gopal & Dhanam Raja
Robert & Nancy Rudd
Lise Skofronick
Nakkiah Stampfli
Lynn Stegner & Frederick Freitag
Franklin & Jennie Stein
Eileen Cripps Stenberg
Susan Thomson
Jane & Glenn Watts
On Saturday, May 28, 2022, over 190 guests were welcomed to Overture Hall for the bi-annual Voices of Spring gala, presented by the Friends of the Overture Concert Organ. A festive, cabaret-style atmosphere carried from the lobby to the stage where attendees were seated at exquisitely decorated tables near the magnificent Overture Concert Organ. Between meal courses, soprano Evelyn Saavedra and our own organist Greg Zelek serenaded us with musical treats. From Gershwin’s I’ve Got Rhythm to Bach’s Fugue in D Major , Greg demonstrated the varying sounds, textures, and power of the “Mighty Klais.” The evening was truly spectacular! We would like to extend a special thanks to our dedicated volunteers, the MSO Staff, our generous sponsors, and all who attended the event.
In addition to being a memorable evening, the event raised over $34,000 for the Organ Endowment which helps ensure the organ will sing out in perpetuity. The next Voices of Spring will take place in 2024 and we hope you will consider joining us!
Discover more about Voices of Spring and view more photos: madisonsymphony.org/voices
Jennifer plans to divide her time between the MSO and as a Professional Dog Trainer. Jennifer is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Karen Pryor Academy, has earned the status as a Fear Free Certified Trainer, and is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator through the AKC. Jennifer lives in Sun Prairie with her husband Greg and two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Huckleberry (11) and Finnegan (6). Jennifer has competed in National Agility competitions and is currently working with Finnegan on high-level hunt test training using only positivereinforcement training methods.
In May of 2022, the Madison Symphony was thrilled to hold our first set of auditions since 2019. Auditions took place over two weeks in Overture Hall. Maestro John DeMain is excited to welcome 10 new musicians to the orchestra this fall:
Violin: Kina Ono (Chicago), Holly Wagner (Chicago) and Sophie Verhaeghe (Austin, TX) Viola: David Beytas (Chicago) and Melissa Snell (Elkton, MD) Cello: Ryan Louie (Kaukauna, WI) Principal Oboe: Izumi Amemiya (Boston, MA)
Assistant Principal Horn: Dafydd Bevil (Madison) Trumpet II: John Wagner (Chicago) Bass Trombone: Benjamin Zisook (Chicago)
The Madison Symphony recognizes retiring Music Librarian Kathryn Taylor for her 27 years of dedicated service for preparing the music for the orchestra. Thank you Kathryn for knowing what needed to be where it needed to be and when it needed to be there! We look forward continuing to see you on the stage as you remain in the MSO violin section. Kathryn will also continue her active teaching studio and chamber music organization.
As we say farewell to Kathryn in the library, we welcome Jennifer Goldberg to the Madison Symphony Orchestra as its newest Music Librarian. Jennifer has been a career Orchestra Librarian with the New World, Richmond and most recently, with the Nashville Symphony. She oversaw the part preparation for many Grammy Awardwinning recordings and supervised new performance materials for pops productions.
Music Director John DeMain with new MSO musicians Jennifer Goldberg, Kathryn TaylorLisa Kjentvet was named MSO’s Director of Education and Community Engagement in September. Ms. Kjentvet, who has served as the MSO’s Education Assistant for the past five years, was chosen to lead the Education and Community Engagement Programs following an extensive search. She succeeds Kathryn Schwarzmann, who held the position for seven years prior to moving to California to pursue a new career in medicine.
“I am honored to serve as the next Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Madison Symphony Orchestra. I’m thrilled to serve our community through our impactful programs and look forward to working with our amazing team to advance our mission and promote lifelong engagement with music.”
– Lisa KjentvetRead the press release on our website: madisonsymphony.org/news-stories
Join our team! The Madison Symphony Orchestra seeks a highly motivated Education and Community Engagement Manager. For best consideration, apply by October 21, 2022. Learn more: madisonsymphony.org/employment
Lindsey Meekhof joined the fabulous Symphony team in May as its Audience Experience Manager, and experienced her first concert weekend in September.
“I am grateful to have been so warmly welcomed by the Symphony community and to have witnessed the unique energy that Madison audiences bring. Classical music has been an important part of my life, and I can already tell that this is a deeply loyal and supportive group of people. There is no better place to continue to enjoy welcoming audiences and experiencing great music this season.” – Lindsey Meekof
Allison Secord is our new Bolz Marketing Associate joining us for the 22–23 season. She says, “I feel so grateful to be able to join this wonderful team and organization. I’m excited to learn all about MSO and gain new marketing skills here.” – Allison Secord
By the years after World War II, the Madison Civic Symphony (predecessor of today’s MSO), under its first conductor, Dr. Sigfrid Prager, was a well-established part of Madison’s musical life. Among the most successful programs of the postwar years was the appearance of contralto Carol Brice on February 23, 1947, the first African American artist to appear with the Madison Civic Symphony. Brice’s fame was rising in the 1940s, beginning with an appearance at the third Roosevelt inauguration in 1941. She would later have a successful career on Broadway and in opera. (Together with her famous predecessor Marian Anderson, Brice would be one of several Black singers to integrate the Metropolitan Opera in 1954.)
Demand for tickets was high, and the orchestra took the then-unusual step of presenting her program twice on one day. Brice performed arias by Handel and Verdi, and sang a series of solo songs, accompanied by Prager at the piano, ending with the Black spiritual Witness
It was a rousing success, with a capacity crowd of 1,350 packing the Masonic Temple Auditorium for the afternoon concert, and 950 attending in the evening. Though Brice never appeared again with the Madison Civic Symphony, she did work with one of its future conductors many years later. In 1976, she played the role of Maria in the Houston Grand Opera revival of Porgy & Bess , a production conducted by John DeMain. The recording of this production won a Grammy Award that year for Best Opera Recording.
Lisa Kjentvet Lindsey MeekhofJoin us for either of two special social gatherings at our December Madison Symphony Christmas concerts! Connect with young adult classical music lovers at Club 201 on Friday, December 2 , and with members of the LGBTQ+ community and friends at Out at the Symphony on Saturday, December 3 . Both events include exclusive receptions and opportunities to meet MSO Musicians, Music Director John DeMain, and other special guests. Experience a Madison tradition to start your your holiday season. Your ticket includes a fantastic seat at the concert, plus the after-party. All tickets are $50 and include a Circlelevel concert ticket, plus the post-concert reception with hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beverages.
Discover more and reserve your place: madisonsymphony.org/club201 madisonsymphony.org/out
Tradition. Community. Song. Bring your pipes, and your friends and family, to raise a joyful noise with the Overture Concert Organ. Join MSO’s Principal Organist Greg Zelek for this celebration during our Madison Symphony Christmas concert weekend. All ages are welcome, and no tickets or reservations are needed. The program lasts 45 minutes to one hour.
Learn more: madisonsymphony.org/carolsing
Join us 50 minutes before each of our Madison Symphony Christmas concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for carol singing in the Overture Lobby! Our Madison Symphony Chorus directed by Beverly Taylor leads this long-standing tradition. Share the spirit of the season together.
Bring a group to the Symphony and save! Orders of 10 or more tickets receive a 25% discount for Symphony concerts and a 10% discount for Organ performances. To place your order, call the MSO Office at (608) 257-3734 and ask for our Audience Experience Manager, Lindsey Meekhof. We’ll reserve the best available seats for your group and take care of the rest of the details for you! Learn more at madisonsymphony.org/group .
We offer advertising opportunities in our Symphony subscription concert books through May. Contact Amanda Dill, Marketing Communications Manager, for placement assistance or questions at adill@madisonsymphony.org
Visit madisonsymphony.org/ads .
We’re excited to welcome you back to Overture Hall for live in-person performances! We understand you may have questions about safety protocols. Visit our FAQ page for the latest info: madisonsymphony.org/health
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Symphony subscribers save up to 50% off single tickets. Discover more about the Symphony season: madisonsymphony.org/22-23
Learn more about the Organ series: madisonsymphony.org/organ22-23
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By mail or in-person: 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 460 Madison, WI 53703
Symphony and organ tickets on sale now!
By phone: (608) 258-4141 Online: madisonsymphony.org
In-person at Overture Center: 201 State Street Madison, WI 53703
Concert Organ Series also began in Sepember.
tickets are on sale now
sublime violin & journeys |
14, 15 & 16 STRAUSS, BARBER & MENDELSSOHN James Ehnes, Violin enchanted piano & personal favorite |
11, 12 & 13 MÁRQUEZ, BRUCH & TCHAIKOVSKY Christina and Michelle Naughton, Piano Duo
A Madison Symphony Christmas | DEC. 2, 3 & 4 Adriana Zabala, Mezzo-soprano , Nathaniel Stampley, Baritone Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, Mount Zion Gospel Choir towering piano & virtuosity |
20, 21 & 22 SCHUBERT, BARTÓK & RACHMANINOFF
Yefim Bronfman, Piano heroic piano & premiere |
17, 18 & 19 MONTGOMERY, BEETHOVEN & DVOŘÁK Benjamin Grosvenor, Piano dazzling violin & spring |
14, 15 & 16 BRITTEN, SAINT-SAËNS & BRAHMS
Blake Pouliot, Violin renaissance & passion | MAY 5, 6 & 7 PRICE & ORFF, CARMINA BURANA
Jeni Houser, Soprano , Justin Kroll, Tenor , Ben Edquist, Baritone Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs
the Score
MAR. 19 ( separate from
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 4 — Heaven or Earth?
multimedia experience with American Players Theatre actors
series)
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great music.
your Vouchers by mail
at the Overture Center Box Office
the
up to 35% off single ticket prices for the best seats in the house for any 2022–2023 symphony subscription season concerts. Purchase FLEX-TICKET packages of 4 Vouchers for only $240 Go to one concert with 3 friends, two concerts with companions, or 4 concerts on your own. FLEX-TICKETS also make great gifts! Redeem in-person at the Overture Center Box Office to select your seats. You can redeem your Vouchers at any time prior to each concert, or on the day of the concert, during the season. Great savings. The best seats available.