Score Newsletter: February/March 2016

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

The

Score

Noteworthy news from the Madison Symphony Orchestra

Music, the food of love… featuring violinist Alina Ibragimova

PROGRAM February 12, 13, 14 PETER ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture MAURICE RAVEL Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2 LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Violin Concerto Daniel Hege Guest Conductor

Photo by Eva Vermandel

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Greetings in the New Year! I hope 2016 is a wonderful, healthy, and safe year for all of us, and that you will continue to be inspired by the great music that our marvelous musicians play for you live in the glorious Overture Hall.

PRELUDE DISCUSSION One hour before each concert in Overture Hall

Our February concerts fall on Valentine’s Day weekend, so we have prepared a very romantic program for lovers of all ages. We have three different periods of music at this concert, beginning with the late Romantic period with Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture. Tchaikovsky taps into the great Shakespearean play, contrasting the rivalry between the Capulet and Montague families, with the passionate music of the second theme clearly expressing the feelings of the two young lovers.

Speaker: Randal Swiggum Elgin Symphony Orchestra Education Coordinator

The Impressionistic period is represented with Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe Suite No. 2.

In the early part of the twentieth century, ballet inspired so many great compositions, and Daphnis and Chloe is one of them. Ravel wanted more people to experience the music apart from the ballet, so he created his now famous suites, a technique that was used by later composers.

Finally, the early Romantic period is featured with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. It is a work of insurmountable beauty, and should serve as the perfect vehicle for our young superstar violinist Alina Ibragimova, in her debut with the MSO.

Major funding provided by

Irving and Dorothy Levy Family Foundation, Inc.

Cyrena and Lee Pondrom

Taking us into this world of romantic themes is the return of one of the MSO’s favorite guest conductors, Daniel Hege. Currently the music director of the Wichita Symphony, Daniel brings his wonderful musicianship to these concerts.

Additional funding provided by

I’m sure you will agree this is the perfect program for our Valentine’s Day weekend. I hope you can attend with a loved one!

a component fund of the Madison Community Foundation

John DeMain

Photo by Bill Fritsch/ HarperFritsch Studios

Photo by Chris Lee

Alina Ibragimova Violin

MUSIC DIRECTOR

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John A. Johnson Foundation,

Gary and Lynn Mecklenburg

with funds from the Stat and the National Endow

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

PROGRAM March 11, 12, 13

The Great Emanuel Ax

DMITRY KABALEVSKY Colas Breugnon Overture CÉSAR FRANCK Symphonic Variations

performs two keyboard masterworks

RICHARD STRAUSS Burleske

Photo by Maurice Jerry Beznos

GUSTAV MAHLER Symphony No. 4 John DeMain Conductor Emanuel Ax Piano Alisa Jordheim Soprano

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This concert was particularly fun for me to create. I wanted for a long time to pair César Franck’s wonderful Symphonic Variations with Richard Strauss’s remarkable and virtuosic Burleske. I approached Emanuel Ax once before with this idea, and it wouldn’t work in his schedule. This time, however, he agreed to do the two concertos, and I can’t wait to collaborate with him on this project. He is one of the most wonderfully direct musicians, connecting with his material in a most honest and unaffecting manner. Every note Manny plays feels “right.”

PRELUDE DISCUSSION One hour before each concert in Overture Hall

Major funding provided by

Stephen Morton

Photo by Rebecca Fay Photography

Speaker: Anders Yocom Wisconsin Public Radio Host

These two works for piano and orchestra, as well as Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, were all composed at roughly the same time: 1885 and 1892, respectively.

They all could not be more highly contrasting pieces. Mahler is a particularly favorite composer of mine and the fourth symphony is perhaps his most melodic and gentle and will feature the talents of soprano Alisa Jordheim. The music flows with great lyrical beauty: the first three movements pointing the way to the last movement, which contains German poetry, and is a child’s impression of life in heaven. If the sturm and drang of other Mahler symphonies is not exactly your cup of tea, then I urge you to experience this piece as a lovely introduction to the world of Mahler. It is also the shortest of his symphonies!

Marvin J. Levy Additional funding provided by

John DeMain

James Gallegos and George Anglin

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Photo by Bill Fritsch/ HarperFritsch Studios

Dmitry Kabalevsky’s Colas Breugnon Overture is a five-minute, exhilarating delight. It has only been performed at a MSO subscription concert once before in 1987, so it is long overdue. This piece will serve as the perfect opening to the concert before Manny Ax takes the stage.

Have lunch with Emanuel Ax and hear him talk about the music at the

JP Cullen

Magic of Music Lunch! with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts

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

Friday, March 11 • Blackhawk Country Club Learn more and register by March 4 at: madisonsymphony.org/magic

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FIND MORE AT

MADISONSYMPHONY.ORG

CELEBRATING YOUR SUPPORT SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: LEE AND CYRENA PONDROM, FEBRUARY CONCERT SPONSORS

After John DeMain was appointed Music Director in 1994, they immediately noticed an improvement in the quality of the orchestra. They were thrilled when Overture Hall became the MSO’s new home.

MSO: How would you describe the MSO to someone who has never attended?

CP: It is a very fine orchestra, and not just technically. The musicians display tremendous enthusiasm for the music and play with great spirit under John DeMain’s baton.

Lee and Cyrena Pondrom, both natives of Texas, met at Columbia University in the early 1960s. They discovered their mutual enjoyment of classical music and began attending New York Philharmonic concerts at Carnegie Hall together. In 1963, the Pondroms moved to Wisconsin to begin their careers as professors at UW-Madison (Physics and English). They started attending MSO concerts in the Madison Civic Center’s Oscar Mayer Theater in the mid-1970s.

MSO: You have increased your giving over the years and recently became concert sponsors. Why do you contribute to the MSO? CP: We contribute because we believe that attending orchestra concerts is an essential part of a cultural life! The MSO is an excellent orchestra, and we want to play a part in helping it achieve its future potential. We feel so fortunate to live in a city that has such a high-quality orchestra and a world-class concert hall.

MSO DONORS CELEBRATE THE SYMPHONY SEASON Crescendo Club Members celebrated the opening concert weekend in the Audubon Room and at a post-concert reception with Music Director John DeMain and MSO musicians.

MSO: How would you describe your experience as donors to the MSO? CP: Attending the donor receptions has expanded our circle of friends beyond the people we knew through our work at the University. We have greatly enjoyed meeting others who share our enjoyment of classical music and we look forward to regular opportunities to see them at concerts.

MSO: Is there anything else you would like to share?

CP: The orchestra's expression of enthusiasm for particularly wonderful guest artists electrifies the audience!

We would like to thank Lee and Cyrena and all our other concert sponsors!

“ Every concert presented by the

Madison Symphony Orchestra under the baton of John DeMain brings me great joy. I have designated a gift for the Symphony in my will to help ensure the orchestra will have outstanding artistic leadership for generations to come.”

Mary Alice Wimmer

Photos by Todd Maughan

Sharon Stark and Peter Livingston

Concert Sponsors Fernando and Carla Alvarado, MSO Principal Clarinetist Joe Morris, Music Director John DeMain

Lynn and Denny Christensen

We are grateful to all patrons who, in addition to their ticket purchases, have contributed generously to the MSO’s 2015-2016 annual campaign. We will honor Concerto and Encore Club members (donors of $300-$1,499) at the March concert receptions. If you are a member of this group, watch your mail in early March for an invitation!

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Photo by Todd Maughan

You can help preserve the MSO’s legacy of great music for future generations by including the Symphony in your estate plans.

Call (608) 257-3734 to learn more.

OVERTURE CONCERT ORGAN NEWS Experience beautiful organ music this year!

AN ORGAN THREE-FOR-ALL Third Time's a Charm!

Sat., Jan. 23, 2016 | 7:30 p.m.

Organists Samuel Hutchison, Bruce Bengtson, and Gary Lewis return to excite audiences in the third installment of this popular recital.

Purchase Single Tickets for these organ concerts in any of the following ways: madisonsymphony.org | (608) 258-4141 | Overture Center Box Office

MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY CONCERT CHOIR AND MADISON YOUTH CHOIRS WITH SAMUEL HUTCHISON, ORGANIST Tues., Mar. 8, 2016 | 7:30 p.m.

AHREUM HAN CONGDON IN RECITAL Tues., Apr. 5, 2016 | 7:30 p.m.

Meet the three organists!

Samuel Hutchison Madison Symphony Orchestra Principal Organist and Curator Samuel Hutchison has presented many recitals in the U.S. and in Europe in locations that include the Riverside Church, New York City and St. Paul's Cathedral, London. Hutchison has also performed the complete works of J.S. Bach in a series of 11 weekly recitals for the 300th anniversary of the composer's birth.

Bruce Bengtson Bruce Bengtson, Music Director of Luther Memorial, has worked as an organist and music director at the church since 1978. He is also recognized for his work throughout the country, performing at the National Convention of the Organ Historical Society and the National Conference of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.

Gary Lewis Organist Gary Lewis recently retired as the Director of Music and Worship at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. His career took him across the United States, earning a master’s degree in Church Music from Northwestern University and serving as the director for several distinguished music communities.

The Mansfield University Concert Choir, directed by Dr. Peggy Dettwiler, has distinguished itself internationally by winning three gold medals at the World Choir Games in 2012 and the gold medal at the Robert Schumann International Choir Competition in Germany.

Joining the Mansfield Choir will be the Madison Youth Choirs, directed

by Michael Ross.

Samuel Hutchison will accompany the choirs as they present an inspiring program of music for organ and voices with works by Messiaen, Stanford, and Bach, among others.

“I can never say enough about the good work Michael Ross is doing with the Madison Youth Choirs; they are an essential part of our Christmas Concerts.”

—John DeMain, Madison Symphony Orchestra Music Director

This concert is sponsored by Friends of the Overture Concert Organ.

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Ahreum Han Congdon thrilled the audience in her Madison debut performance during a 2014 Farmers’ Market Concert. She returns for a full solo recital on the colossal Klais in a program of music by Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Dupré, Vierne and others.

“The work's triumphant closing chords had barely finished when the audience stood as one, rewarding [Han's] fabulous performance with shouts of "Brava" and enthusiastic applause.”

—American Guild of Organists Convention

JOIN US FOR A FREE COMMUNITY HYMN SING Sat., Apr. 30, 2016 | 11 a.m.

Hymn sings are open to the public, all ages are welcome, and no tickets or reservations are needed.

For the most up to date information, visit madisonsymphony.org/hymnsings.

All concerts and hymn sings are in Overture Hall.

Support for all Overture Concert Organ programs is provided by the Diane Endres Ballweg Fund.

FIND MORE AT

MADISONSYMPHONY.ORG

EDUCATION HIGH NOTES

Written by the students of Glacial Drumlin School and Madison Community Montessori with MSO violist Katrin Talbot as part of the Docent program.

Tells me the colour of joy, of gloom, of sky, of rainbows, a kingdom of yellow, the colour of the seasons, autumn leaves, snowy mountains, that flashy green of spring Tells me the sound of rushing water, birdsong, of crickets and the buzz of bees, the sound of a storm of rain, of wind, or softer fog and gentle breeze, and the rustling of the leaves in the mysteries of the trees Tells me the patterns in a heartbeat, in a footstep, in the gallop of a horse, the strong wings of birds, the almost silent butterfly at the flower Tells me the patterns in polkadot prairies, in stripes of landscape, the smooth round of sun, the mountain peaks, the cloud stories in the sky, the Fibonacci series unfurling in the fern, the secret dance inside the shell The Music tells me how my ears can see.

OPEN DRESS REHEARSAL with pianist Emanuel Ax Thurs., Mar. 10, 2016 | 7 p.m.

Overture Hall Reserve your spots starting Feb. 10 at madisonsymphony.org/odr or by calling (608) 257-3734. Space is limited!

UP CLOSE & MUSICAL® BRINGS CLASSICAL MUSIC TO DANE COUNTY CLASSROOMS

Finalists L-R: pianist Audrianna Wu (Madison), pianist Liam Mayo (Green Bay), violinist Tabby Rhee (Brookfield) and marimbist Robert Rockman (Sun Prairie) Photo by Katrin Talbot

THE MUSIC TELLS ME

FINAL FORTE 2016 Fri., Jan. 29, 2016 | 6:45 p.m.

Overture Hall

Photo by James Gill

FALL YOUTH CONCERTS On Tuesday, November 24, over 4,400 students, teachers and community members attended the MSO’s 2015 Fall Youth Concerts, Symphony Safari, conducted by Maestro Randal Swiggum.

Pianist Maylynn Hu, winner of the 2015 Fall Youth Concerto Competition, played the third movement of Beethoven’s Concerto No. 2 in B flat Major, Op. 19.

Before attending the concerts, students prepared with lessons and activities, including creating the poem below.

CALL (608) 257-3734 OR VISIT MADISONSYMPHONY.ORG TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the excitement as the four finalists of the 2016 Bolz Young Artist Competition compete for top honors in a concert with Music Director John DeMain and the MSO! Learn more about the four finalists at madisonsymphony.org/bolz.

This free event will be hosted by WPR's Lori Skelton and classical pianist and NPR host Christopher O’Riley, broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio (wpr.org) and rebroadcast on Wisconsin Public Television.

The Bolz Young Artist Competition is made possible by a generous endowment from The Eugenie Mayer Bolz Family Foundation.

Major funding for the Final Forte broadcasts is provided by: Diane Ballweg; Stephen Morton; Julie and Larry Midtbo; Fred and Mary Mohs; Joe and Mary Ellyn Sensenbrenner; and The Boldt Company.

Additional funding provided by: A. Paul Jones Charitable Trust; Sentry Insurance Foundation; James Dahlberg and Elsebet Lund; W. Jerome Frautschi; Ann and Roger Hauck; Kato Perlman; Margaret C. Winston; Paul Guthrie, in memory of Ella Guthrie; Nick and Judith Topitzes, in memory of Kenneth Emmons; Anne W. Bolz; and Friends of Wisconsin Public Television.

Special thanks to Farley’s House of Pianos for providing the pianos for our Young Artist Competition Auditions.

Wisconsin Young Artists Compete: The Final Forte concert and broadcasts are the result of a collaboration among the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television.

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Hunt Quartet L-R: violinist Clayton Tillotson, violist Blakeley Menghini, violinist Paran Amirinazari and cellist Andrew Briggs

Studies show that if children are given the chance to participate in music making at an early age, they’ll carry a love of music with them throughout their lives.

Through the Up Close & Musical program, the Hunt Quartet (pictured above) helps children develop an early love for music by annually presenting multiple lessons at six elementary schools throughout Dane County, teaching students in grades K-3 about the basic elements of music.

“Up Close and Musical is an incredibly valuable opportunity…

The most amazing thing to me is seeing a classroom full of kids become extremely quiet and focused on sound…”

—Clayton Tillotson, Hunt Quartet

This program is presented in partnership with the UW-Madison School of Music.

Learn more at madisonsymphony.org/ucm.

Major funding provided by: MSO League; An Anonymous Friend; John & Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation; Joe & Mary Ellyn Sensenbrenner.

Additional funding provided by: The Brittingham Fund, Inc.; Cuna Mutual Foundation; Dane Arts; Marc Vitale & Darcy Kind; Wisconsin Arts Board.

Madison Symphony Orchestra League News Where Music and Friendship Meet ARTS BALL DELIGHTS! The 45th annual Arts Ball at the Nakoma Golf Club Nov. 14 enjoyed a record attendance this year!

The festive event benefits both the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres preceded the bidding on over 100 items at the silent auction tables and a sumptuous gourmet dinner. Then, guests of all ages danced the night away to the dynamic and popular Public i band from Chicago!

Mark your calendar for the next Arts Ball on Sat., Oct. 29, 2016. We hope to see you there!

Photos from the evening

Photos by Larry Chua

MIDWINTER LUNCHEON MSO Success: The Collaboration of Business and Art Thurs., Jan. 28, 2016 | 11:30 a.m.

Nakoma Golf Club

MSO Music Director John DeMain and Executive Director Rick Mackie share the secrets of their partnership as they have guided the MSO to what some have called "The Madison Miracle."

Be sure to reserve your spot

by Wed., Jan. 20!

Janet Cabot, Scott Cabot

HAVE LUNCH WITH PIANIST EMANUEL AX AT THE MAGIC OF MUSIC LUNCH! Fri., Mar. 11, 2016 | 12 p.m.

Blackhawk Country Club You may remember pianist Emanuel Ax from his previous appearances with the Symphony in 1979, 2005, and 2008!

Ken Kirchstein, Elizabeth Barden, Valerie Kazamias, Ellis Bauman, Sue Bauman

He’s back to perform TWO pieces at the MSO’s March 11-13 concerts and is taking time out of his busy schedule to appear at the Magic of Music Lunch.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet Mr. Ax and hear him talk about the pieces he will play with the MSO. Reserve your spot by Fri., Mar. 4.

Visit madisonsymphony.org/magic or call (608) 257-3734 to register.

Jessica Yehle, Jim Yehle

Love the Symphony

…Join the League!

A NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW PARTIES OF NOTE The 2016 passport will be mailed out in January, so be on the lookout for yours!

This is the 10th year the MSOL has been organizing Parties of Note. In that time, we have organized well over 100 parties and raised over $100,000.

Upcoming Parties of Note include: a party in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed “Airplane House,” an Argentinean dinner and tango lesson, and various parties that give guests a rare window into places that usually have limited access.

For more information, or to register, visit madisonsymphony.org/parties.

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLFER TO SERVE AS FIRST HONORARY COG GOLF CHAIR Bishops Bay Country Club is again the setting for the MSOL’s major fundraiser, Concert on the Green. What's different for this year's 22nd event on June 27? Sherri Steinhauer will serve as the first ever Honorary Golf Chair.

A Madison native, Sherri qualified for the LPGA Tour on her first attempt and began a stellar 26-year career, retiring in 2012. Her playing highlights include winning three Women’s British Opens and representing the United States on four biennial Solheim Cup teams. For more about Sherri go to madisonsymphony.org/ cog. She will be present throughout the day and evening to talk golf and pose for photos.

For information on booking a foursome, sponsoring a hole or other opportunities, contact Janet Cabot: jbcabot52@gmail.com or (608) 260-8680 x 232.

The Madison Symphony Orchestra League is an organization of more than 300 dedicated men and women who are committed to support the artistic, educational, financial and community engagement goals of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. For more information, visit madisonsymphony.org/msol.

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FIND MORE AT

MADISONSYMPHONY.ORG

BACKSTAGE MSO WELCOMES NEW SUBSCRIBERS The MSO welcomed new subscribers at receptions after the November concerts. Thank you to all our subscribers for ensuring classical music continues to be a part of the rich cultural vibrancy of Madison and the greater community.

Photos by Todd Maughan

Betsy Clough, Kendra Kreutz

Ruth Sandor, Jillian Windelborn

Harriet Spira, Bill Spira, Eng Braun, Bill Braun

François Brundt, Alene Petrowski

MSO violinist Clayton Tillotson and Dan Yeazel

Chris Atkinson, Carma Atkinson

MSO MUSICIANS PLAY OUT The Oakwood Chamber Players will perform:

ASK A MSO MUSICIAN This month’s featured musician is violist Rachel Mooers.

Children's Games Concerts Sat., Mar. 5, 2016 | 7 p.m.

Sun., Mar. 6, 2016 | 1:30 p.m.

MSO Musicians playing: Anne Aley, Nancy Mackenzie, Jennifer Morgan, Amanda Szczys and Maggie Townsend Oakwood Center for Arts and Education, oakwoodchamberplayers.com MSO PARTNERS WITH LINKS

The Links, a service organization of professional women of color, and students attended the Dec. 6 Madison Symphony Christmas concert and postconcert reception as part of the ongoing partnership between The Links and the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

MSO: What inspired you to play the viola?

RM: When I was 11, I went to our local music store all excited to get a violin. We got there, and my older sister said to me, "Rachel, I'd really rather not listen to you practice the violin. You should play the viola." And that was the best big sister advice I've ever gotten!!

Later, I was unable to play in my youth orchestra due to a minor injury. I remember watching my friends making music together and I just ached to be sitting in my section. I said to myself that afternoon, "I have to do this forever."

MSO: What is the most unique place you’ve performed?

RM: The most exciting was the Musikverein in Vienna. The most unique, definitely a Chick-fil-A in northeast Ohio.

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MSO: What is your favorite non-classical song?

RM: On the top of my road-trippin playlist is "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls. #noshame Performance Partners:

The

Score

The Score is published four times per concert season for members and friends of the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

Editor: Ellen Larson Contributing Writers: Janet Cabot John DeMain

(608) 257-3734

Casey Oelkers Kathryn Schwarzmann

info@madisonsymphony.org

Printing provided by

The

Score SEPT. 25, 26, 27

CONNECT WITH US!

#madisonsymphony

FEB. 12, 13, 14

Tchaikovsky’s Fourth

Alina Ibragimova, Violin

OCT. 16, 17, 18

MAR. 11, 12, 13

BEETHOVEN • COPLAND TCHAIKOVSKY

James Ehnes, Violin HAYDN • BRUCH RACHMANINOFF

Emanuel Ax, Piano

KABALEVSKY • FRANCK STRAUSS • MAHLER

NOV. 20, 21, 22

Sara Sant’Ambrogio, Cello RAVEL • SAINT-SAËNS BERLIOZ

Madison Symphony Chorus Madison Youth Choirs Mt. Zion Gospel Choir

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

PAID

MADISON, WI PERMIT NO. 930

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

APR. 1, 2, 3

Garrick Ohlsson, Piano STUCKY • STRAUSS BRAHMS

DEC. 4, 5, 6

A Madison Symphony Christmas

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE

TCHAIKOVSKY • RAVEL BEETHOVEN

APR. 29, 30, MAY 1 Carmina Burana

Madison Symphony Chorus RESPIGHI • ORFF

Photos by Amandalynn Jones

MA D I S O N SY MPHONY ORC HESTRA 2015 / 2016 SE A SON Photo by Bill Fritsch/HarperFritsch Studios

A thrilling new season of music awaits!

Be on the lookout in March for our 2016-17 season brochure and official announcement of guest artists and music!

Please mark your calendars now for these 2016-17 MSO concert dates.

2016: Sept. 23–25 Oct. 21–23 Nov. 11–13 Dec. 2–4

NEW

2017: Jan. 15 Feb. 17–19 Mar. 10–12 Apr. 7–9 SUBSCRIBERS May 5–7

CONCERT & AFTER PARTY WITH MADISON'S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SAT., MAR. 12, 2016 CONCERT

8:00 PM

Emanuel Ax, piano Grammy Award-winning artist, internationallyacclaimed performer, teacher at Julliard

AFTER PARTY TICKETS

After the concert in Overture Center's exclusive Promenade Lounge $35 (Includes concert ticket, plus an after party and one drink ticket!)

To subscribe, request a brochure or for more RECEIVE Buy Tickets at madisonsymphony.org/club201

UP TO 50% OFF

Visit madisonsymphony.org for the most up to date information.

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Partners:

information, visit: madisonsymphony.org or call (608) 257-3734.