23/24 Education and Community Engagement Brochure

discover music together

Education & Community Engagement

Inspiring a Lifetime of Learning & Music Exploration

Love great music. Find it here.

The Madison Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to providing outstanding educational and community engagement opportunities to people of all ages and abilities throughout south-central Wisconsin and beyond. As we strive to increase the impact of our programs, we are committed to enriching school and community music programs, engaging with our diverse community, and inspiring a lifetime of learning and enjoyment of music. We invite you to join us in exploring the joy and power of music! Enrich, engage and inspire!

– Lisa Kjentvet Director of Education & Community Engagement

“My students are from a small rural town. I loved giving them the experience of seeing a symphony orchestra!”

Award-Winning Education & Community Engagement Programs

Madison Symphony Orchestra Education Programs bring the valuable experience of classical music to youth and adults in our community — both inside and outside of the concert hall. Our Community Engagement Programs connect with music lovers of all ages to offer the opportunity for more people to experience the joy and healing power of music.

EDUCATION

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“This was my best experience with a symphony trip, and I’ve taken third graders to many events over the years.”

Education Programs

The MSO’s award-winning Education Programs reach thousands of young people each year. From concerts to competitions to master classes and more, our partnerships with local schools build the foundation for students to have a lifelong relationship with music.

Up Close & Musical®

The MSO’s nationally recognized Up Close & Musical program has been bringing the power and beauty of classical music and professional musicians into classrooms since 1999! Through a series of school visits by the Hunt Quartet and other musicians, this program introduces students to the basic musical elements of melody, rhythm, form and expression in engaging ways. The yearlong curriculum is guided by academic standards for music and is designed for students in grades K–3 throughout Dane County. This program is offered at no charge to participating schools due to generous donor support.

Meet the Musician

Meet the Musician offers preschoolers a close encounter with MSO musicians and the instruments they play. This free program features a variety of instruments.

“Some students who said they “hated music” LOVED this experience.”

Fall Youth Concerts

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The Fall Youth Concerts are designed to introduce students in grades 4–8 to classical music and the full symphony orchestra. These themed, multidimensional performances include visual images, introductions to compositions, and an inspiring performance by the winner of the MSO’s annual Fall Youth Concerto Competition. Our Docent Program allows schools to request visits by MSO musicians and MSO League members to prepare students for the concert experience. This program introduces the music and composers in fun and engaging ways and is offered free-of-charge due to generous donor support.

Spring Young People’s Concert

Thursday, March 7, 2024

10:00 a.m.

The Spring Young People’s Concert creates memorable musical experiences for students in grades 6–12. The corresponding Spring Young People’s Concert Curriculum Guide gets students thinking more deeply about the musical selections in advance, creating a richer concert experience for them. The Spring Young People’s Concert is designed to model a typical orchestral concert experience but includes learning supplements such as a conductor narrative, visual component and an inspiring performance by the winner of the MSO’s annual Bolz Young Artist Competition.

Symphony Soup

“This performance makes classical music accessible to middle school students, both in terms of affordability, but also educationally.”

Link Up

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Symphony Soup is the culminating concert event for the Up Close & Musical® in-school residency program and is open to all elementary schools. In addition to solidifying the concepts taught by the Hunt Quartet through the Up Close & Musical curriculum, these concerts are designed to get students in grades K–3 excited about classical music and the symphony orchestra. Short excerpts are selected from orchestral favorites.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Partnering with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, the MSO is thrilled to present the Link Up program, designed for students in grades 3–5. Through the yearlong curriculum of this highly participatory program, students learn to sing and play classical music melodies on the recorder in their school classrooms. In May, all participating students bring their recorders to the culminating concert to perform with the MSO! The 2023–2024 season will feature “The Orchestra Sings” Link Up curriculum.

– TEACHER

Fall Youth Concerto Competition

Saturday, September 23, 2023

The Fall Youth Concerto Competition is open to Wisconsin students in grades 3–8 who play strings, winds, brass, percussion, or piano. The winner of the competition performs with the MSO for an audience of their peers during the Fall Youth Concerts and receives a scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Music Clinic.

Bolz Young Artist Competition

Preliminary Round — Saturday, January 6, 2024 Semifinal Round — Friday, January 12, 2024

The Final Forte — Wednesday, March 6, 2024

The Bolz Young Artist Competition is open to Wisconsin students in grades 9–12 who play strings, winds, brass, percussion, or piano. Two intensive rounds of auditions culminate in the third round, in which the top four finalists perform with the MSO in Overture Hall. The third round of the competition is broadcast live as “Wisconsin Young Artists Compete: The Final Forte.” All four finalists receive scholarships. The second-place winner receives the Steenbock Youth Music Award. The first-place winner of the competition receives the Marian Bolz Prize for Distinguished Musical Achievement and performs with the MSO for an audience of their peers during the Spring Young People’s Concert.

“As a high school student who moved to Wisconsin from Japan 18 months ago, performing for the audience and sharing my story in front of the TV camera was precious and very meaningful. There were many moments where I struggled to overcome the language barrier and cultural differences over the past year, but music always served as a bridge for me to connect with people. Standing under the spotlight for the Final Forte performance was the biggest moment in my life where I felt the power of music. I was able to connect with hundreds of people by sharing music, and I realized the reason why I wish to pursue my career as a musician.“

-Arisa

Okamoto , Final Forte finalist

“Performing with the Madison Symphony was a memorable experience that I will always hold dear to my heart .”

– Sophia Jiang, Final Forte finalist

The Final Forte competitors show off their trophies: Amelia Zitoun, First Place; Sophia Jiang, Honorable Mention; Lucy Wu, Honorable Mention; and Arisa Okamoto, Second Place.

2023 Final Forte Winner Amelia Zitoun watches for her cue during the final round of competition.

Katarina Kenney, winner of the 2022 Fall Youth Concerto Competition, performs at the Fall Youth Concerts.

Sophia Jiang competes in The Final Forte.

Guest Artist Master Classes and Events

An encounter with a famous musician can be a turning point in the life of a young musician. The MSO is proud to bring world class musicians and conductors into schools and arts organizations to work with students of all ages. Conversations with the artist, master classes, clinics, and workshops have connected many guest artists with young musicians from elementary to university levels. These master classes are offered free of charge to participating community partners and are open to the public.

All Ears at the Symphony

All Ears provides groups of traditionally under-served community members with an invitation to experience select Madison Symphony Orchestra concerts at no charge. In addition to the performance, guests enjoy a pre-concert welcome and a post-concert meet-and-greet experience.

Open Rehearsals

Open Rehearsals are a wonderful free opportunity for music lovers of all ages to observe the preparation required for a symphony orchestra concert. Reservations are limited and can be made one month before each Open Rehearsal.

Magic of Music Lunches

Magic of Music Lunches provide an in-depth look at musical topics over lunch, featuring MSO guest artists and music experts from our community. Reservations must be made no less than two weeks before each event.

James Ehnes instructs a young violinist during a masterclass.

MSO flautist Linda Pereksta leads a sectional.

Blake Pouliot rehearses in front of an audience at an Open Rehearsal.

Anthony DiSanza, Principal Percussion, teaches students during a sectional.

“This is just what Madison needs as we continue to build community and break down barriers to arts and culture. Thoughtfully curating the special pieces for the Penn Park concert really made me feel that you “read the room” and instilled history and pride in the composers that were chosen.”

– COMMUNITY MEMBER

Community Engagement

We are proud to bring world-renowned musicians and conductors into the community to connect with music lovers of all ages and offer the opportunity for more people to experience the joy and healing power of music.

HeartStrings®

The MSO’s internationally recognized HeartStrings® program enhances the quality of life for people with disabilities through participatory, music therapy-informed sessions led by the Rhapsodie Quartet. This program is offered free-of-charge to participating organizations throughout Dane County due to generous donor support. HeartStrings® has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, the League of American Orchestras/MetLife Foundation, Johnson & Johnson/Society for the Arts in Healthcare, Central Wisconsin Center and the Madison Area Rehabilitation Centers as a model community program.

Community Concerts

The Madison Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to bringing the joy of music to our diverse community, and truly making the MSO an orchestra for everyone. Community Concerts are scheduled in various locations throughout the season.

“Thank you for playing music and making me smile! I had so much fun playing along.” –

HEARTSTRINGS® PARTICIPANT

Rhapsodie Quartet

The Rhapsodie Quartet includes MSO Co-Concertmaster Suzanne Beia, Principal Violist Christopher Dozoryst, Principal Cellist Karl Lavine, and Violinist Laura Burns. The quartet makes monthly visits to HeartStrings community partners, bringing a full season of activities to residents and caregivers. They also perform recitals that are free and open to the public.

Hunt Quartet

The Hunt Quartet is the resident string quartet of the MSO’s nationally recognized Up Close & Musical® program, designed to bring the power and beauty of classical music into elementary school classrooms throughout Dane County. The quartet also performs recitals that are free and open to the public.

Prelude Discussions

Prelude Discussions are open to all ticket holders and provide insights into the concert repertoire and composers. Discussions are provided for every subscription concert except the MSO Christmas program and take place in Overture Hall one hour before each performance. Learn more: madisonsymphony.org/prelude

Student Rush Tickets

Student Rush Tickets are available to students from age 6 through the university level for $15 to experience any MSO performance in Overture Hall. University students will need a valid student ID, but younger students may simply claim student status at the Overture Center Box Office beginning on the Friday of each concert weekend, up until each performance. Students may purchase up to two tickets at these prices and will receive the best seats available at the time of purchase. Discounts cannot be combined. $10 Student Rush tickets are available for Organ performances on the day of each show. Details at madisonsymphony.org/rush

“It is always an awesome experience for me and my students to experience the performance with the orchestra. It is the “icing on the cake”!”

Randal Swiggum speaks from the Overture Hall stage at a Prelude Discussion.

Student Rush tickets are available the day of each MSO performance. Group rates are also available for groups of 10 or more!

The Hunt Quartet performs a free recital at Oakwood Village University Woods.

Thank You

2022-2024 Education & Community Engagement Funders

Jason and Erin Adamany

American Girl’s Fund for Children, a component fund at MCF

Diane Ballweg

Jeff and Beth Bauer

Barbara and Norman Berven

Dr. Annette Beyer-Mears

Randy and Marcia Blumer

The Capital Times Kids Fund

Thomas Corbett

Dawn Crim and Elton Crim Jr.

James Dahlberg and Elsebet Lund

Dane County Arts, with additional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation, The Bob and Paula Dinndorf Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of The Capital Times, the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation

Benito De Leon and Kari Peterson

George and Regina Dunst

The Eugenie Mayer Bolz Family Foundation

The Evjue Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of The Capital Times

Exact Sciences

Festival Foods

Marc and Marcia Fink

W. Jerome Frautschi

Friends of PBS Wisconsin

Kennedy Gilchrist and Heidi Wilde

Morgan and Hayley Glossbrenner

Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin

Magdalene Hagedorn

Susan S. Harris

Heid Music

Herb Kohl Charities

Carl M. Hudig

Barbara Hultberg

Dr. Stanley and Shirley Inhorn

Irving and Dorothy Levy Family Foundation, Inc.

J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.

Craig and Marilyn January

For more information regarding the MSO’s Education and Community Engagement Programs , please contact:

Lisa Kjentvet

Director of Education & Community Engagement

lkjentvet@madisonsymphony.org

(608) 260-8680 ext. 225

Love great music. Find it here.

“I have continued to bring my students to see the MSO as many years as I can because of the power and impact it has on them. They always come back gushing with excitement and amazement whenever they see the orchestra.”

– TEACHER

The John and Barbara DeMain Fund for Education and Community Engagement

John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Heidi and Matt Kenney

Darcy Kind and Marc Vitale

Madison Arts Commission, with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board

Madison Community Foundation

Madison Symphony Orchestra League

Denis and Julie Matuszak

Julie and Larry Midtbo

Eric Mischo

Fred and Mary Mohs

Jennifer Morgan

National Endowment for the Arts

John and Carol Naughton

Bill and De Nelson

Nimick Forbesway Foundation

Casey and Eric Oelkers

Elizabeth Olson

Dr. Sandra L. Osborn

PBS Wisconsin’s Focus Fund for the Arts

John Pepple

David and Kato Perlman

Cyrena and Lee Pondrom

Nan and Bob Schaefer

Jim and Deb Schultz

Leah Schultz and Zachary Larson

Derrick and Carrie Smith

Mary Lang Sollinger

Steve Somerson and Helena Tsotsis

Stuart Family

Janet S. Swain

Trust Point

U.S. Bank

UW Health, UnityPoint Health –Meriter, Quartz

Nancy Vedder-Shults and Mark Shults

Veridian Foundation

Wendy Weiler and Robert Erb

William J. and Joyce F. Wartmann Fund

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

Wisconsin Solar Design

Woodman’s Food Markets

WPS Health Solutions

James and Jessica Yehle

Six Anonymous Friends

This list includes donors who contributed directly in support of Madison Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-2023 Education and Community Engagement Programs, as well as major donors to PBS Wisconsin whose gifts supported The Final Forte broadcasted in March 2023. Also included are donors who have committed support for the 2023-2024 Education and Community Engagement Programs at time of print.

Young People’s Concert/MSO-WYSO), p2 (MSO-WYSO/Link Up), p3 (MSO-WYSO/The Final Forte), p4 Link Up/Up Close & Musical®/Meet The Musician), p5 (The Final Forte/Spring Young People’s Concert), p6 (Fall Youth Concert/The Final Forte), p7 (Open Rehearsal/Ehnes Masterclass/Spring Young People’s Concert/MSO-WYSO), p9 (Penn Park/ HeartStrings®), p9 (Rhapsodie Quartet/Prelude Discussion/Hunt Quartet/Link Up), p10 (Link Up), back Symphony Soup/HeartStrings®/ MSO-WYSO: Peter Rodgers; p4/back (Up Close & Musical®/Symphony Soup): Amandalynn Jones

Photos: cover (Link Up/Penn Park/Spring

sept 2023

nov 2023

Programs At A Glance

Fall Youth Concerto Competition

Saturday, September 23, 2023

A performance opportunity for students in grades 3–8

Fall Youth Concerts

OVERTURE HALL

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., or 1:00 p.m.

A cross-curricular youth concert designed for students in grades 4–8

Community Concerts

VERONA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Thursday, November 9, 2023

7:00 p.m.

MITBY THEATER

Saturday, November 11, 2023

1:00 p.m.

jan 2024

Bolz Young Artist Competition

Preliminary Round – Saturday, January 6, 2024

Semi-Final Round – Friday, January 12, 2024

A performance opportunity for high school students from around the state

Final Forte

mar 2024

OVERTURE HALL

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

7:00 p.m.

The final round of the Bolz Young Artist Competition, open to the public

Spring Young People’s Concert

OVERTURE HALL

Thursday, March 7, 2024

10:00 a.m.

Programs offered on various dates throughout the year:

Meet the Musician

An early childhood introduction to the musicians and instruments of the orchestra

Master Classes & Artists in the Community

Guest artists visit schools and local partners

All Ears at the Symphony

Access to MSO concert tickets for underserved members of our community

Student Rush Tickets

Affordable tickets for young people and learners in our community

Prelude Discussions

Preconcert lectures open to anyone attending MSO concerts

Magic of Music Lunches

An opportunity to meet the concert guest artist over lunch

Rhapsodie Quartet Recitals

Symphony Soup Concert

CAPITOL THEATER

An educational concert with accompanying curriculum designed for students in grades 6–12 may 2024

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

10:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m.

A concert designed for students in grades K–3 and the culminating concert of our Up Close & Musical program

Link Up Concert

CAPITOL THEATER

Thursday, May 16, 2024

10:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m.

The culminating concert of a yearlong partnership program that invites students in grades 3–5 to sing and play recorder with the orchestra

Family Concert

CAPITOL THEATER

Saturday, May 18, 2024

1:00 p.m.

Public performances by the ensemble that carries out the HeartStrings® program

Hunt Quartet Recitals

Public performances by the ensemble that carries out the Up Close & Musical program

HeartStrings®

A music-therapy informed program that brings live music to those who cannot otherwise attend a concert

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

Education & Community Engagement

“The MSO team does a phenomenal job of preparing materials ahead of time so it is not “just a performance” but an experience that really teaches the students something through actual application and the students get to learn while listening.”

– TEACHER

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Love great music. Find it here.

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“We thoroughly enjoyed the concert! And loved the teaching moments as well!”

TEACHER