Spring 2022 Score Newsletter

The

SCORE

SPRING 2022 — MAR | APR | MAY

Gil Shaham — Plays the Beethoven Violin Concerto Mar 11–13

Missa Solemnis — Featuring Naha Greenholtz Apr 8–10

Voices of Spring

Concert on the Green

May 28

June 20

Garrick Ohlsson — Beethoven’s Greatest Hits May 6–8

Meet the finalists of The Final Forte

WELCOME TO OUR SPRING SCORE NEWSLETTER

“I can’t think of a more

“Because of the large forces

“A celebration of Beethoven’s

consummate musician to play

involved and the demands made

orchestral writing would not be

the Beethoven Violin Concerto,

by Missa Solemnis, this music

complete without performing

a concerto that eschews

is not often heard live. Our

his great Symphony No. 5. This

showmanship for deep

performances offer you a rare

symphony is both revolutionary in

musicality, and is quite

opportunity to hear this work

spirit as well as in composition,

symphonic in structure.”

in the beautiful surroundings

from its famous four-note motif to

of Overture Hall.”

its last movement so triumphant of the human experience.”

Read more on page 4 Read more on page 5

Read more on page 6

– John DeMain, Music Director

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E M B R A C E Y O U R PA S S I O N – F E E L I T L I V E !

CONTENTS Concerts: Celebrating Your Support:

4-9 10-11

Education & Community Engagement:

12-13

Madison Symphony Orchestra League:

14-15

News & Stories:

16-19

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5

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The SCORE is published three to four times per concert season for members and friends of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Subscribe to the print and/or the online edition at madisonsymphony.org/score Editor: Amanda Dill Creative Director: Peter Rodgers Design: Bob Marshall Contributing Writers: Cathy Buege, Janet Cabot, John DeMain, Lisa Kjentvet, Casey Oelkers, Leah Schultz, Kathryn Schwarzmann, Aleeh Schwoerer

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PRINT PARTNER: PERFORMANCE PARTNERS: Programs, artists and dates subject to change Madison Symphony Orchestra 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 460 Madison, WI 53703 Phone (608) 257-3734 Fax (608) 280-6192 madisonsymphony.org info@madisonsymphony.org ©2022 Madison Symphony Orchestra Administrative Staff Executive Director: TBA General Manager: Ann Bowen Office & Personnel Manager: Alexis Carreon Orchestra Librarian: Kathryn Taylor Director of Education & Community Engagement: Kathryn Schwarzmann Education Assistant: Lisa Kjentvet Director of Development: Casey Oelkers Manager of Individual Giving: Leah Schultz Manager of Grants and Corporate Giving: Aleeh Schwoerer Director of Marketing: Peter Rodgers Marketing/Communications Specialist: Amanda Dill Patron Services Manager: Aaron Krish Principal Organist and Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ: Greg Zelek

12 MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE

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GOLF • CONCERT • DINNER

Photo Credits: p1 (Shaham), 3 (Shaham), 4 (Shaham): Chris Lee; p1 (Greenholtz), 3 (Greenholtz), 5 (Greenholtz): Chris Hynes; p1 (Duchovnay), 3 (Duchovnay), 5 (Duchovnay): Maggie Dunn; p1 (Kellogg), 3 (Kellogg), 5 (Kellogg): Valentina Sadiul; p1 (Chorus), 3 (Chorus, Zelek, Biere, Jutsum, Final Forte Competitors, Amirinazari, Hempel), 5 (Chorus), 7, 9 (Zelek, Biere, Jutsum), 11, 12, 13 (Amirinazari, Hempel), 17 (Grand Panorama), 19: Peter Rodgers; p1 (Ohlsson), 6 (Ohlsson): Dario Acosta; p3 (Ohlsson): Daniel Barry; p14 (golfers): Amandalynn Jones; p14 (Leckrone): Stutz Photography; p17 (Christmas): Amanda Dill

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GIL SHAHAM PLAYS THE BEETHOVEN VIOLIN CONCERTO All of us at the Madison Symphony are thrilled to welcome back the great violinist Gil Shaham.

I can’t think of a more consummate musician to play the Beethoven Violin Concerto, a concerto that eschews showmanship for deep musicality, and is quite symphonic in structure.

It was important for me to include this in our Beethoven celebration, as it stands alone among violin concertos. I can’t wait to hear what Gil brings to the piece.

MAR 11, 12 & 13 FRI 7:30 PM SAT 8:00 PM SUN 2:30 PM

The first half of the concert is highly contrasting, as it features two compositions that premiered over a hundred years after the Beethoven. continued pg 18

John DeMain, Conductor Gil Shaham, Violin Rachmaninoff, Isle of the Dead Kodály, Háry János Suite Beethoven, Violin Concerto in D major MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

“Shaham’s performance was simply the best I have seen in more than three decades of attending the symphony.”

Myrna Larson

– Bill Wineke, Channel 3000

Audrey Dybdahl Marilyn and Jim Ebben David and Kato Perlman ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY: DeWitt LLP Rodney Schreiner and Mark Blank Wisconsin Arts Board

PROGRAM NOTES EXCERPT “An orchestral “sneeze,” a mechanical clock, the single-handed defeat of Napoleon’s armies, and a richly deserved reward from the emperor himself are all part of Kodály’s Háry János Suite.

His title character is a Hungarian storyteller who stars in his own increasingly fantastic tales. The score has rich Hungarian flavoring, spiced with folk music and a prominent role for Hungary’s national instrument, the cimbalom.” — Michael Allsen

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DISCOVER MORE

madisonsymphony.org/ shaham

“Greenholtz’s tone matched perfectly with the orchestra.

It was pure magic.”

– Matt Ambrosio, The Cap Times

APR 8, 9 & 10 FRI 7:30 PM SAT 8:00 PM SUN 2:30 PM

James Ehnes, Violin

MISSA SOLEMNIS We had originally planned to close our Beethoven celebration with the Missa Solemnis, but, of course, the pandemic forced us to reschedule the concert. We still have our all-Beethoven concert in May, and the Ninth Symphony next September. continued pg 18

John DeMain, Conductor Naha Greenholtz, Violin Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director

Sara Duchovnay, Soprano

Briana Hunter, Mezzo-soprano

Clay Hilley, Tenor

Kenneth Kellogg, Bass

Haydn, Violin Concerto in G major Beethoven, Missa Solemnis EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR:

Rosemarie Blancke, in loving memory of Fred Blancke DISCOVER MORE madisonsymphony.org/missa

PROGRAM NOTES EXCERPT “The Missa Solemnis had grown far beyond a traditional setting of the Catholic mass, and it proved difficult to get it performed in Vienna. It was far too big to be sung as part of an actual church service, and the Catholic authorities in Vienna forbade the performance of the mass text in a purely concert setting. One of Beethoven’s aristocratic admirers, Russian Prince Nicholas Galitzin, arranged for a premiere by the Philharmonic Society in St. Petersburg, later writing an enthusiastic account to the composer in Vienna: ‘The effect on the public cannot be described, and I have no fear of exaggerating when I say on my part that have never heard anything so sublime…’” — Michael Allsen

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“Ohlsson used his pianistic soft power . . . in the service of Beethoven’s penchant . . .”

– The Washington Post

MAY 6, 7 & 8

HIS GREATEST HITS

FRI 7:30 PM SAT 8:00 PM SUN 2:30 PM

Beethoven’s ideas about human dignity and freedom are thoroughly explored during his revolutionary period, where all three of the great and familiar works on this program originated. The great German writer Goethe embodied these same ideas, making the collaboration between him and Beethoven ideal, resulting in his play Egmont for which Beethoven wrote incidental music. Indeed, the beheading of the title character set off a rebellion against Spanish tyranny. continued pg 19

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Myrna Larson John DeMain, Conductor

MAJOR FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

Garrick Ohlsson, Piano Beethoven, Egmont Overture Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, “Emperor” Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in C minor

Stephen D. Morton Diane Ballweg Kenneth A. Lattman Foundation, Inc.

CLUB 201 & OUT AT THE SYMPHONY Join us for two special social gatherings at our May concerts! Connect with young adult classical music lovers at Club 201, and with members of the LGBTQ+ community and friends at Out at the Symphony. Both events include exclusive receptions and opportunities to meet MSO Musicians, Music Director John DeMain, and other special guests.

Scott and Janet Cabot

David and Kato Perlman Fred A. Wileman

LEARN MORE AT madisonsymphony.org/beethoven ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

PROGRAM NOTES EXCERPT

Chuck Bauer and Chuck Beckwith

“The fourth concerto is introspective and brooding, but the fifth is unabashedly dramatic and self-assured. The key of the fifth concerto, E-flat Major, commonly had associations with heroism and grandeur for Beethoven and his contemporaries. Several writers have commented on the “military” nature of the concerto, citing the influence of French music, particularly the so-called “military concerto.” Indeed, the first movement can be heard as a kind of “battle” between the soloist and orchestra, although its mood is jubilant throughout.

If the drums and cannon that surrounded Beethoven in 1809 affected this concerto, the human misery did not.” — Michael Allsen

Ronald J. and Janet E. Johnson

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Wisconsin Arts Board

DISCOVER MORE madisonsymphony.org/beethoven

Symphony Moments The first half of our season unofficially began in September with “String Spirit” — our joyful return to Overture Hall after more than a year away. Our Subscription Symphony Season began in October with “Ravishing Rhapsody,” when we welcomed pianist Olga Kern back to Madison for her fifth appearance with the MSO. Cellist Thomas Mesa performed Dvorak’s Cello Concerto at his Madison Symphony debut in November, and composer and photographer Stephen Lias provided moving synchronized imagery during Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite.

December saw the return of our annual Madison Symphony Christmas featuring local choirs and two opera stars — plus caroling in the lobby with the Madison Symphony Chorus and a Free Community Carol Sing with Greg Zelek. Finally, in January, we welcomed acclaimed violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins for a “Premiere Debut” with the Madison Symphony.

Thank you to all who joined us for these performances! Relive the moments, read reviews, and view photos for each of these events on our website at madisonsymphony.org/moments.

STRING SPIRIT

RAVISHING RHAPSODY

September 24 & 25, 2021

October 15, 16 & 17, 2021

John DeMain, Conductor, Greg Zelek, Organ

John DeMain, Conductor, Olga Kern, Piano

MSO’s Rhapsodie Quartet

RAVEL | RACHMANINOFF | BEETHOVEN

ELGAR | POULENC | TCHAIKOVSKY

“With ‘Rhapsody’ and a heroic symphony, MSO returns to

“The string players rose to the occasion and delivered a

full strength.”

powerful concert that whets the appetite for a fantastic season on the horizon.”

– Matt Ambrosio, The Cap Times

“One of the nicest things about the Madison Symphony Orchestra is that it is pretty easy to feel among friends when one attends a concert.”

– Bill Wineke, Channel 3000

Comments from concertgoers...

“Live music performance, at last!”

“The music was beautiful, and the experience of being back to hear it in person was inspiring.”

“It was such a glorious experience being back in the Overture Hall after the prolonged absence due to the pandemic. One could just feel the sense of joy in the audience and orchestra.”

“It was wonderful to hear live music in person. Very happy with your covid protocols. It felt safe to be in a large group setting

– Matt Ambrosio, The Cap Times

“Olga Kern Wows MSO Audience . . . Again. When she finished, the audience kept applauding and applauding and might have just kept on if the house lights hadn’t come up.”

– Bill Wineke, Channel 3000

“Piano Pyrotechnics. At times she [Olga Kern] soared with her fellow musicians, while at other times she performed in counterpoint using an impressive cross-handed technique that embraced the composer’s themes.”

– Mike Muckian, Isthmus

Comments from concertgoers...

“Your string section is exquisite and world class.

And Olga Kern is beyond words wonderful!”

“The most beautiful afternoon of music experienced in many moons!!! Excellent performance.”

knowing that everyone was screened for vaccination and

“I have missed live music *so* much.”

wearing masks.”

“Great music is an emotional experience for me, and hearing

“Clearly these musicians didn’t take a year off.”

Olga Kern and the MSO perform the Rachmaninoff “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” moved me to tears. Thank you!” continued on page 17

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ISABELLE DEMERS Known as the ‘diminutive dynamo’, Isabelle Demers will wow our audience with a program that will use just about every sound on our Mighty Klais. This concert of challenging transcriptions, beginning with Mendelssohn’s Overture to St. Paul and closing with movements of her own transcription of Stravinsky’s Petrushka, will demonstrate the versatility of our great instrument. Ms. Demers’ incredible virtuosity and nuanced interpretations will be on full display in this can’t-miss event!

— Greg Zelek, Principal Organist and Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ

Isabelle Demers, Organ Mendelssohn, Overture to “St. Paul” Davies, Solemn Melody Laurin, Sonata No. 1 Bach, Sinfonia from Cantata BWV 146 Alkan, Excerpts from Twelve Etudes for the Feet Stravinsky, Select Movements from Petrushka

TUE. MAR 15 7:30 PM

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: Walter & Karen Pridham Charitable Fund Skofronick Family Charitable Trust Friends of the Overture Concert Organ DISCOVER MORE madisonsymphony.org/demers

ALL ORGAN SINGLE TICKETS $20!

Klais Meets Cabaret Have you ever wanted to dine and be entertained on the stage at Overture Hall? Now you will have your chance when the Friends of the Overture Concert Organ holds its bi-annual Voices of Spring event — themed “Klais Meets Cabaret“ — on Saturday, May 28 at the Overture Center for the Arts. The stage will be transformed for an evening of food, friends and music. Imagine a Cabaret-style atmosphere, from the table decor to the repertoire performed on the magnificent Klais organ. The evening begins with a champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception in the Overture Hall Lobby followed by a gourmet four-course dinner on the Overture Hall Stage — a one-of-kind experience for music lovers. Throughout the evening, guests will be treated to exceptional entertainment

by Greg Zelek, the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Organist, and his friend and world-class Cuban soprano Evelyn Saavedra.

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“After postponing Voices of Spring last year, I am thrilled that we can all come together again to share great food and music on one of the most beautiful stages in the world.

With varied selections of both cabaret-style music as well as classical organ music, everyone will be able to enjoy the beauty of our magnificent organ in the most intimate setting. I can’t wait for you to see what it’s like to look out onto the hall from the stage and experience this breathtaking event!” said Greg Zelek.

Space will be limited for this magical and memorable evening so mark your calendar now. You won’t want to miss this special opportunity to dine on stage, hear Greg and Evelyn perform, and see and feel the power of the Klais up close! For more details and sponsor and registration information, please visit madisonsymphony.org/voices. Event proceeds will benefit the MSO’s Organ Endowment Fund.

GREG ZELEK WITH THE DIAPASON BRASS & TIMPANI

FRI. MAY 20 7:30 PM

In my first of many collaborations with fellow Madison musicians, I am excited to perform alongside The Diapason Brass quintet and timpani in a concert that will pair our Mighty Klais with some of the loudest instruments in the orchestra. This program of music written for a variety of pairings will include Gigout’s Grand Choeur Dialogue, a transcription of Rachmaninoff’s famous Vocalise, and an arrangement of Bach’s famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor for organ and timpani. Audiences will enjoy the expressive and fluid partnership of MSO’s Principal Trumpet, John Aley, and the newly appointed trumpet professor at UW LaCrosse, Matthew Onstad; the warm sounds of MSO’s Principal Horn, Linda Kimball; the creative flair of UW Madison’s trombone professor, Mark Hetzler; the thrilling facility of MSO’s Principal Tuba, Josh Biere; and the thunderous rhythm of MSO’s Principal Timpani, John Jutsum. The event will have me pulling out all the stops on our Overture Concert Organ to match the excitement and volume of my colleagues on stage!

— Greg Zelek, Principal Organist and Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ

Greg Zelek, Organ John Aley, Trumpet Matthew Onstad, Trumpet Mark Hetzler, Trombone Linda Kimball, Horn Joshua Biere, Tuba John Jutsum, Timpani

Gigout, Grand Choeur Dialogue Rachmaninoff, Vocalise Elgar, Pomp and Circumstance DiLorenzo, Fire Dance Dinda, Nocturne J.S. Bach, Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 Sullivan, The Lost Chord Guilmant, Final from Symphony No. 1 in D minor

John Aley Trumpet

Matthew Onstad Trumpet

Mark Hetzler Trombone

Linda Kimball Horn

Joshua Biere Tuba

John Jutsum Timpani

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: William Steffenhagen Elaine and Nicholas Mischler

DISCOVER MORE madisonsymphony.org/ zelek

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News & Stories

MUSICIAN CELEBRATING RELI RELIEF RELIE E YOUR F UPDATE SUPPORT

BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Stafford Rosenbaum LLP Stafford Rosenbaum LLP has been one of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s valued corporate partners for more than two decades.

We are grateful for the in-kind legal services provided in recent years by attorneys Robert Horowitz, Richard (Dick) Yde, Johanna Allex, and others, and for the firm’s cash contributions in support of our subscription concert series. During the 2020-2021 season, Stafford Rosenbaum LLP generously allowed the MSO to convert the firm’s sponsorship for a cancelled performance into an unrestricted gift to help sustain our organization through a period of uncertainty. We are grateful for Stafford Rosenbaum’s continued support during the current season and are pleased to recognize their sponsorship of our January concerts.

About Stafford Rosenbaum LLP Stafford Rosenbaum LLP serves clients around the country and world but traces its roots to 1879, in its original and current headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. The firm expanded into the Milwaukee community in 2007. Representing clients in 20 different practice areas, Stafford Rosenbaum LLP is a fullservice law firm that holds a longstanding tradition of effective client communication close to its heart.

When asked what Stafford Rosenbaum LLP values most about our relationship, they reflected that the Madison Symphony Orchestra is an important part of Wisconsin’s cultural and educational heritage. They believe that it is a privilege to partner with the MSO as it continues to serve generations of Wisconsinites.

With a long history of supporting a variety of charitable organizations in Madison, Stafford Rosenbaum also supports Centro Hispano (agency partners), United Way of Dane County, the Madison Public Library Foundation, Law Forward, MadREP, Dane Buy Local, Forward Theatre, Gathering Waters, Groundswell Conservancy, the American Heart Association, the Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund, the Madison Parks Foundation, Clean Lakes Alliance, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and UW Athletics to name a few. They believe giving back strengthens the community by allowing more opportunities for support of individuals and groups, thereby improving the lives of everyone living in the community.

Join us in thanking Stafford Rosenbaum LLP for their continued support of the Madison Symphony Orchestra!

Welcome NEW Leadership Donors!

Each season, individual Leadership Donors demonstrate their enthusiasm for the Symphony through their contributions of $1,500 or more to the MSO’s annual fund. Did you know that Leadership Donors provide more than 50% of the MSO’s contributed income each season? This year, Leadership Donor support has been more crucial than ever in helping the Symphony return to live performances and resume our Education and Community Engagement programming. We would like to acknowledge and thank the following new Leadership Donors for the 2021-2022 season, as of January 10, 2022.

Ron & Sharon Anderson Beth Baldwin Lawrence Bechler Lau & Bea Christensen Paul & Anne-Marie Correll William & Alexandra Dove Barbara Drake

Charles & Bonnie Dykman George Gay Kim Hah Sharol & Drew Hayner Jim & Kathy Herman Charles James Ronald & Janet Johnson

Shree Kalluri and Family Ernest & Helen Madsen David & Ann Martin Mark & Joyce Messer Jon & Cookie Miller Michael & Claire Ann Richman DeeDee & Bing Rikkers

Elizabeth Sykes Teri Venker Ann Wallace Nancy & Edward Young Ledell Zellers & Simon Anderson One Anonymous Friend

Leadership Donors receive exclusive benefits including reserved parking for subscription concerts and regular opportunities to engage with Music Director John DeMain, individual members of the Orchestra and the MSO’s internationally-renowned guest artists. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Leadership Donor or the benefits available at this contribution level, please visit www.madisonsymphony.org or contact Leah Schultz at lschultz@madisonsymphony.org.

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CELEBRATING YOUR SUPPORT

News & Stories

A LIFE-CHANGING ENCOUNTER WITH BEETHOVEN’S MUSIC This season, the Madison Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the 250th birthday of the great composer Ludwig van Beethoven, albeit one year late! Coincidentally, this year also marks the 70th anniversary of Myrna Larson’s first encounter with Beethoven’s music. In honor of these milestones, Myrna has provided generous sponsorship support for three MSO subscription concerts this season, and she generously underwrote MSO’s Beethoven chamber music concerts and birthday party in mid-December.

MSO: Tell us about your early experiences with music.

ML: I grew up in Lake Geneva, WI. I took piano lessons (under protest!) for a year or two, at age 8 or 9. In high school, my father decided I should play the saxophone. My childhood musical experience was limited to a few pieces of popular music I heard on the radio (my favorite was Spike Jones’ rendition of “Temptation”), beginner’s piano pieces, and Sousa marches. We had a record player for 78’s: electric, with a steel needle. It was a big improvement over the previous wind-up player that used a cactus needle. Nobody in the family, including me, had any interest in classical music, or, for that matter, knew what it was.

MSO: What effect did Beethoven’s music have on you?

ML: Until I heard “the 5th”, music was pleasant sound in the background, not something that could take over reality and produce an emotional response. There are still parts of “the 5th” and of his violin concerto that bring a tingle down the spine and a few tears of awe/disbelief.

MSO: Share the story of how you “happened upon” Beethoven’s music.

ML: I think it was 1949 that RCA came out with a new record player that could play not only 78’s but also 45’s and had a “changer’. They cost about $50. In 1952, I was saving money from my summer job at Schultz Bros, the “dime store”, to buy one.

The local store had one in stock. I was worried that they might sell it before I had saved the $50, so every week I stopped in to be sure it was still there. I guess it never occurred to me that they could order another one!

The store sold LPs in addition to audio equipment, so I browsed through the bins, too. I was intrigued by the cover of one LP. It was a portrait of a wild man — staring downward, scowling, hair flying in all directions. The music was called “Symphony No. 5” (what’s a symphony? I thought) written by some guy name BEETH-oven (first syllable rhyming with “teeth”). I obviously didn’t know anything about Germans or their language, either.

By summer of 1952, I had the $50, and got the record player plus that LP and a second one by this same BEETH-oven: the Waldstein Sonata with pianist Walter Gieseking. The recording of the Symphony was the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler.

“The 5th” was the first piece of classical music I had ever heard. I was lying on the living room floor, eyes closed, absolutely engrossed/transfixed, transported to a new, unbelievable world.

In the middle of it, my father walked in, went over to the record player, and switched it OFF! MSO: After you discovered Beethoven’s music, what opportunities did you have to pursue your enjoyment of other classical music?

ML: None, really, until I got to UW-Madison. I could now listen to WHA. You couldn’t get the AM signal in Lake Geneva, 75 miles away. Listening to WHA exposed me to new composers. Also,

I shopped at Victor Music, on State Street. There, I discovered I could find the pieces I’d heard on the radio.

When I browsed through the LP’s, it was usually the cover artwork that caught my attention. The names of the composers were still new; the notes on the back were a mystery. But Charles Lundy always knew about the “best recording” of the piece I had heard on the radio the night before, Myrna Larson and about “the phenomenal new release of X, Y, or Z.” Additionally, I attended concerts at the Union Theater.

I remember hearing Rudolph Serkin. I also re–member a concert featuring a work by John Cage for “prepared piano.”

I remember the pianist sitting down at the bench, then after about a minute getting up and tinkering with the hammers and strings. I wondered what the problem with the piano was and worried that it wasn’t playable. After few days of research, I learned he was “preparing” the piano.

MSO: When did you first hear Beethoven’s 5th Symphony live?

ML: I’ve only been coming to MSO since 2001. In March 2001, a colleague died unexpectedly. He and his wife were MSO subscribers. His widow asked me if I would attend the April and May concerts with her. The first time I heard the 5th Symphony live was when the MSO performed it in 2004, and then again in 2017. I definitely remember the 2017 performance, particularly the end – the magnificent chords of the final couple of bars.

But as it turns out, they AREN’T the end! He does it AGAIN, and AGAIN, and AGAIN, each time louder than the last. The suspense is killing — “This one must be the end!” — but no, it isn’t!

I’ve been in Madison since 1954. Why did it take 47 years to discover MSO? My husband wouldn’t go. He liked classical music, but (1) he hated to go anywhere, (2) according to him, “the stereo system is just as good” (he was wrong on that), and (3) last, but most important, weekends were wall-to-wall football, from 11 AM Saturday until 11 PM Monday.

MSO: How would you describe the experience of hearing classical music performed live as opposed to on a recording?

ML: It’s the acoustics: the difference in volume, and the ability to hear each of the instruments separately, rather than just a “muddle” of sound — chunky chicken soup rather than cream of chicken. I remember my first MSO concert in 2001 — the music was so LOUD. It wasn’t sound coming from “that box over there.” You become completely immersed in it — physically and mentally. It takes over your entire consciousness and transports you to an ecstatic place.

Myrna recently achieved an outstanding personal milestone: her cumulative outright contributions to the Symphony have reached $1 million! Prior to her major gifts for this current concert season, Myrna sponsored previous concerts featuring works by Beethoven, she underwrote the purchase of a new set of timpani in 2017, she made lead gifts to the Musicians’ Relief Fund and the Richard H. Mackie Catalyst Fund, and she has also been a generous supporter of the Overture Concert Organ program and organ endowment. Additionally, she has planned a legacy gift for the MSO. Please join us in thanking Myrna for her dedication to the MSO! 11

News & Stories

EDUCATION HIGH NOTES

THE FINAL FORTE 2022 All rounds of the Bolz Young Artist Competition were held in person this year! The Preliminary Round of the Competition was held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Overture Center for the Arts. Judges for the Preliminary Round included musicians of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and local music experts. Eight semi-finalists were selected and announced by email the evening of the Preliminary Round.

The Semi-Final Round was held the evening of Thursday, January 27 at Overture Center for the Arts. All eight semi-finalists gave outstanding performances, and four were chosen to move on to the final round, The Final Forte, on April 13. Congratulations to all our competitors!

FINALISTS

Zack Chen, violin

Clark Snavely, violin

Jane Story, violin

Ellen Zhou, violin

Piece: Sibelius Violin Concerto, Mvt. 3

Piece: Sibelius Violin Concerto, Mvt. 1

Piece: Lalo Symphony Espagnole, Mvt. 1

Piece: Lalo Symphony Espagnole, Mvt. 1

Anais Griffith-Oh, marimba

Arisa Okamoto, violin

Ignacio Rosado, piano

Emma Song, violin

Piece: Rosauro Walking

Piece: Conus Violin Concerto, Mvt. 1 and 2

Piece: Grieg Piano Concerto, Mvt. 1

Piece: Wieniawski Concerto 2, Mvt. 1

SEMI-FINALISTS

The Final Forte is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in Overture Hall. The event begins at 6:45 p.m.

Competitors will be accompanied by the Madison Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kyle Knox, MSO Associate Conductor. We expect a live audience to be present.

Attendance is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend. Find out more at madisonsymphony.org/finalforte.

We expect the competition to be broadcast live on PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio. The winners of The Final Forte may be invited to perform in the Spring Young People’s Concert, held the morning after The Final Forte.

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

Wisconsin Young Artists Compete: The Final Forte is the result of historic partnership between the Madison Symphony Orchestra, PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio.

Major funding for The Final Forte concert and broadcasts is provided by Diane Ballweg, W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, Fred and Mary Mohs, and Stephen Morton.

Additional funding provided by Irving & Dorothy Levy Family Foundation, Inc., James Dahlberg and Elsebet Lund, Julie and Larry Midtbo, Kato Perlman, Cyrena and Lee Pondrom, Sentry Insurance Foundation, Inc., Nick and Judith Topitzes, Trust Point, Dr. A. Beyer-Mears, Darcy Kind and Marc Vitale, James Baldwin and Alexis Buchanan, The Focus Fund for the Arts, Friends of PBS Wisconsin.

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EDUCATION HIGH NOTES

News & Stories

UP CLOSE & MUSICAL® The Hunt Quartet of the Up Close & Musical program includes Paran Amirinazari, violin; Hillary Hempel, violin; Jennifer Paulson, viola; and Derek Handley, cello.

Paran Amirinazari, Hunt Quartet, Violin 1

Hillary Hempel, Hunt Quartet, Violin 2

Jennifer Paulson, Hunt Quartet, Viola

Derek Handley, Hunt Quartet, Cello

Paran received a Doctorate Degree from UW-Madison and is a founding member and Artistic Director of the Willy Street Chamber Players. She is a member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s first violin section and Concertmaster of the Middleton Community Orchestra. She also studied at the University of Nevada-Reno and the New England Conservatory of Music. Outside of the classical music world she has collaborated with various rock bands and has toured with Ian Anderson (from Jethro Tull), Larkin Grimm, and Beat Circus.

Hillary is a member of Madison Symphony Orchestra second violin section and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Prior to joining MSO and WCO, Hillary was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Hillary studied at the Colburn Conservatory of Music and with Almita Vamos at Northwestern University where she received her master’s degree. She enjoys playing in both orchestras and playing chamber music. When Hillary is not playing the violin, she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time outdoors in any season.

Jen is a member of the viola section of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and has held positions in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Green Bay Symphony, and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. She holds degrees in viola and jazz performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern University, and Augustana College. Paulson is a member of several contemporary music groups based in Chicago and also plays locally with bluegrass band Milkhouse Radio.

Jen is also an accomplished player of the Japanese koto.

Derek is a member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra cello section and also plays with the Rockford Symphony.

He received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and his Masters of Music in Performance from Northwestern University. He privately teaches both cello and guitar.

All four of these musicians are members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Hunt Quartet members will visit K-3 classrooms at partner elementary schools throughout Dane County where they will conduct exciting and interactive lessons that send students on a hunt for the musical concepts of melody, rhythm, expression, and form. Participating schools will attend a culminating event at the end of the school year, Symphony Soup, presented by the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Kyle Knox, and members of the Hunt Quartet. Symphony Soup is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 2022 in Overture Center’s Capitol Theater.

Major funding for Up Close & Musical is provided by David and Kato Perlman, Madison Symphony Orchestra League, Dr. Stanley and Shirley Inhorn, John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, Inc., Madison Community Foundation, and An Anonymous Friend.

Additional funding for Up Close & Musical is provided by Jeff and Beth Bauer, Colony Brands, Inc., Darcy Kind and Marc Vitale, Wendy Weiler and Robert Erb. Major funding for Symphony Soup is provided by Madison Symphony Orchestra League, Barbara and Norman Berven, and John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, Inc. Additional funding for Symphony Soup is provided by Exact Sciences, John and Barbara DeMain Fund for Education and Community Engagement, Shree Kalluri and Family, Vogel Bros. Building Co., William J. and Joyce F. Wartmann Fund, Woodman’s Food Markets, Dane County Arts with additional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation, The Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of The Capital Times, the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation.

Funding for all MSO programs comes from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

13

News & Stories

MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE NEWS

CONCERT ON THE GREEN

MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2022 Concert on the Green is back!

The Madison Symphony Orchestra League’s popular outdoor event and largest fundraiser, Concert on the Green, will be held this year on Monday, June 20. Join fellow golf and music lovers Part of the Madison community since 1956, the Madison Symphony Orchestra League (MSOL) Is an organization of more than 350 members committed to supporting the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s artistic, financial and educational mission.

DISCOVER MORE: madisonsymphony.org/ msol

for an optional daytime golf tournament, followed

GOLF • CONCERT • DINNER

by an evening concert and gourmet picnic, all at Bishops Bay Country Club.

C o - C h a i r s B e t h a n d P e t e r R a h ko i n v i t e everyone to celebrate summer and support the Symphony once again. “The 26th annual event will be better than ever thanks to the creativity and energy of our Concert on the Green Committee,” Beth said. Mike Leckrone, the beloved former Director of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, will serve as Honorary Golf Chair and conduct one piece with members of the Madison Symphony Orchestra at the evening concert.

“Our sponsors stuck with us when we had to cancel not once, but twice due to the pandemic. We appreciate their support and look forward to a great day of golf, and a magical evening of music and dining under the big tent overlooking Lake Mendota,” Casey Oelkers, Director of Development, said. For information about sponsorships, contact Casey at coelkers@ madisonsymphony.org.

Pro ceeds f rom th e eve n t h e l p s u p p o r t the MSO’s nationally-recognized Education and Community Engagement programs. Go to

Mike Leckrone

madisonsymphony.org/cog for event details and registration information. See you in June!

Kyle Knox

PARTIES OF NOTE 2022 Parties of Note Passports have been mailed and registration opens for MSOL members on Monday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m.! Registration to the general public opens a week later, on Monday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m. Once again, we have activities and venues to appeal to a wide variety of interests and tastes. We have repeats of some of the most popular parties from previous years as well as exciting new parties. This year’s party lineup features well-known hosts, behind-the-scenes venues, outdoor adventures, musical entertainment, and more. And of course, with all our parties you will enjoy fabulous food and the camaraderie of your fellow music enthusiasts.

The Madison Symphony Orchestra League is pleased to present these 15 parties, benefiting the Education and Community Engagement Programs of The Madison Symphony Orchestra. We are most grateful to our Party Sponsors for their generous support and participation in this project.

All parties are limited in number of guests and many sell out quickly. All registrations will be online.

There will be no mail-in registrations. MSOL members will be able to register on-line before registration is open to the public. Visit madisonsymphony.org/parties for full registration and event details.

14

MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE NEWS

News & Stories

MSOL CONNECT Did you know The League of American Orchestras gave our MSOL Connect a Spotlight Award for 2021?

This national recognition prompted us to continue MSOL Connect this fall with a direct connection with the Madison Symphony concerts. Our next events are scheduled for March 10 and May 5. For more information and to register, visit madisonsymphony.org/msol beginning three weeks before each event.

All 15 past MSOL Connect events are also available to view on our website! Two events of note include our September and November events, which highlighted MSO Principal Organist Greg Zelek and Guest Artists Thomas Mesa and Stephen Lias. Both of these give “up close and personal” interviews with behind-the-scenes views. These and all past events are an hour long — a perfect winter “getaway” without leaving your home. Find a cozy chair and a hot chocolate to sample everything from music history, composers, and science to “An Evening with Tamara and Leotha Stanley”. If you are interested in joining this creative volunteer MSOL Connect Committee to help plan future MSOL Connect events, call Beth Rahko at 608-438-7655. We would love to have you join in the fun.

SAVE THE DATES! Visit madisonsymphony.org/msol for the latest updates and information on these and other upcoming MSOL events.

MSOL Mid-Winter Luncheon

MSOL Spring Luncheon and Annual Meeting

Tuesday, March 15, 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, May 12, 11:30 a.m.

The Madison Club

Maple Bluff Country Club

Featuring Music Director John DeMain Symphony Gala Behind the Music Discovery Talk Monday, April 4, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Friday, September 9 Madison Concourse Hotel

Featuring Madison Symphony Chorus Director Beverly Taylor

MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA LEAGUE WELCOMES THESE NEW MEMBERS:

Mari & Mark Brunsell Carol Koby & Denis Carey

Not a member? Membership is open to all, and new members are welcome at any time!

Enjoy a community of friends who share your passion for music.

Join online at madisonsymphony.org.

Connie & David Hoogerland Roger Allen Westmont

Individual Membership:............ $35.00 Household Membership: .......... $50.00 Lifetime Membership: .............$350.00

15

NEWS & STORIES

WE’VE PARTNERED WITH TARGET CIRCLE! We are honored and excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! Now through March 31, vote for us through the Target Circle program to help determine how Target’s donation will be divvied up. Make sure to set your preferred store as one of the nine stores located in Madison area or Southern Wisconsin to be able to cast your vote for the MSO! Find out more about Target Circle at www.target.com/circle.

We’re asking our supporters to help us make the most of this incredible opportunity. Every vote counts to help us receive a portion of the available Target funds as we continue our mission to produce high quality concerts of orchestral, instrumental, vocal, and choral music, to educate and entertain audiences of all ages in the Madison area and beyond, and to advocate music as a universal language of expression and understanding. Don’t forget, as you earn more votes, you can keep voting multiple times during the campaign!

Thank you for your support, and we encourage you to share your support for us (and your thanks to Target) on social media throughout the duration of the voting!

OAKWOOD CHAMBER PLAYERS

JUTT-WIENHOLTS DUO CONCERT

Oakwood Chamber Players Spring Concerts

Spring Awakening:

Join MSO musicians of the Oakwood Chamber

Masterpieces for Flute and Harp

Players at our upcoming spring concerts:

April 22, 7:00 p.m.

March 4, 5, & 6 Including music for winds and strings by Florence Price, Alyssa Morris, Arthur Bliss and W.A. Mozart May 13, 14, & 15 Including music by Caroline Shaw, Beethoven, Eugene Bozza, J Michael Haydn, Richard Rodney Bennett, and Gustav Holst

Bethel Lutheran Church 312 Wisconsin Ave The new duo of flutist Stephanie Jutt and harpist Johanna Wienholts seeks to explore the vast repertoire for flute and harp, from the most delicate confections by Franz Joseph Haydn and Nino Rota to the most exciting and driving rhythmic compositions by Mexican composer

Tickets are available at the door. For more informa–

Eduardo Angulo. Admission is free. For more

tion, visit oakwoodchamberplayers.com.

information, visit bethel-madison.org.

MONTHLY BACH CONCERT SERIES RESUMES IN-PERSON AND ONLINE Now in its 4th season of free half-hour Bach concerts, Just Bach presents cantatas, instrumental solos and chamber music, ending each program with the popular Chorale Sing-along. Please join us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month: Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18, all at 12:00 pm. MSO players performing in this series include Linda Pereksta, piccolo, Andrea Gross Hixon, oboe, Leanne League, violin, and Marika Fischer Hoyt, viola. Attend in-person, watch the livestream from home, or view the concert videos on the Just Bach YouTube channel. Visit justbach.org for more information.

16

Symphony Moments

continued

GRAND PANORAMA

A MADISON SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS

November 12, 13 & 14, 2021

December 3, 4 & 5, 2021

John DeMain, Conductor

John DeMain, Conductor

Thomas Mesa, Cello

Elizabeth Caballero, Soprano

HONEGGER | DVOŘÁK | WALKER | GROFÉ

Jared Esguerra, Tenor

“[Walker’s Lyric for String Orchestra] is light and airy, yet powerful with beautifully orchestrated dissonances. The MSO strings found brilliant balance through delicate textures, most

Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, Mt. Zion Gospel Ensemble “Soprano Elizabeth Caballero, glittering in a black lace high-low

effectively at the climactic moment when, in a pairing both

gown, brought reverence to Gounod’s “Ave Maria,” while tenor

complementary and contrasting, the high end of the violins

Jared Esguerra earned the first standing O of the night for a

sound together with the low end of the basses.”

warm, rich rendition of “O Holy Night.”

– Matt Ambrosio, The Cap Times

What the audience had to say...

“I have never heard the Grand Canyon Suite played more exquisitely. Our orchestra, maestro, and concertmaster are incredible.”

“The Dvořák was a stunning piece! Not only was Mr. Mesa in fine form, but the orchestra had glorious music with many principals having solo opportunities.”

“Thomas Mesa was spell binding! Listening to the live Orchestra [for the first time] in over a year brought tears to my eyes.

Mesa’s performance of the Dvořák blew me away. The many different techniques that were used were incredible.”

“The cellist was fantastic and we loved the Bach Prelude encore. The multimedia was amazing and the bass clarinet solos in the Grand Canyon Suite were superb.”

“Mr. Mesa’s playing was superb. But I confess the multimedia presentation alongside Grofe’s Grand Canyon was terrific!

The informative program notes were much appreciated. And I also enjoyed that unexpectedly fun Honegger piece and the delightful Walker work.”

“The Dvořák Cello Concerto was one of the most wonderful cello performances I have ever heard. It moved me to tears.”

– Lindsay Christians, The Cap Times

“Christmas really doesn’t return to the Madison arts scene until the Madison Symphony Orchestra offers its annual Christmas extravaganza.”

– Bill Wineke, Channel 3000

Hear what the audience had to say…

“This was our first Christmas with the Symphony and EVERYTHING was quite lovely. The stage decorations that changed with the various pieces and the angels floating above were nice touches. Jared’s O Holy Night was quite moving. John DeMain is a “treasure” and certainly makes the performance fun, entertaining, and educational as well.”

“Having a night out and listening to amazing music after more than a year of staying home. We loved the chorus and symphony. The opening number, Joy to the World made my spirits soar.”

“The music was fabulous! All of it. The soloists were marvelous.

Maestro John DeMain is gracious, enthusiastic, learned… and all-around great!”

“Where to begin!! We loved it all. The selection of music was a nice mix of classical and Christmas standards. Jared’s O Holy Night was fantastic. I’m a fan of Stephanie Jutt so appreciated her flute solo. The symphony and all choirs were just wonderful.

Our community is so fortunate to have the Overture Center.” continued on page 19

17

MARCH, APRIL CONCERTS

GIL SHAHAM

continued

This will be our second time to perform Rachmaninoff’s Isle of the Dead, a work inspired by a painting. This undulating underworld journey, bringing a creature clad in white to the isle, offers Rachmaninoff a chance to write a piece of great beauty as well as high drama, and shows off his command of orchestration.

Many years ago we performed the suite from the opera titled Háry János (or strong Háry) and had a wonderful time doing it. Háry was a teller of very tall tales, including his boasting that he defeated Napoleon single handedly. This six-movement suite dwells on his various exploits. The work features in a major way a Hungarian instrument called the cymbalon which is a large hammered dulcimer.

This is a concert of highly contrasting works ending with a magnificent foray into classicism. Be there!

– John DeMain, Music Director

MISSA SOLEMNIS

continued

As we delve into his massive output, and his revolutionary approach to music, as well as to life, it is really awesome to think that he composed this giant work at the same time he was composing his Ninth Symphony. Both are extremely difficult choral works that make unusual demands on the solo singers as well. Perhaps his virtual deafness contributed to this, but the results are truly staggering.

The mass took longer to compose than was originally planned, and grew too big and too long to be sung in a typical church service. At that time, it was also forbidden to sing the Latin texts on a concert stage rather than in church. So, Beethoven was fortunate to have a patron who arranged for the premiere to take place in Russia, where the response was overwhelmingly favorable. The work includes an extended and beautiful violin solo for the Benedictus, and serves to put our concertmaster, Naha Greenholtz, on double duty.

It was and is my plan to preface both this work and the Ninth Symphony with works by the two composers that influenced Beethoven’s work: Mozart and Haydn. The Mozart work in September is the oboe concerto, and for these concerts it’s one of Haydn’s violin concertos for string orchestra and violin. This concerto puts the spotlight on our beloved Naha Greenholtz, and will provide a stark contrast to the Missa.

A special nod to our Madison Symphony Chorus Director, Beverly Taylor, who has spent these last few months preparing the chorus for this challenging feat, often conducting 110 choristers in rehearsals via Zoom. Because of the large forces involved and the demands made by the music, this music is not often heard live.

Our performances offer you a rare opportunity to hear this work in the beautiful surroundings of Overture Hall. Join us as we continue to celebrate this giant among musicians!!

– John DeMain

18

MAY CONCERTS | SYMPHONY MOMENTS

HIS GREATEST HITS

continued

During this period he also composed his last piano concerto, dubbed the Emperor, though not by Beethoven.

We welcome back one of America’s premiere pianists, Garrick Ohlsson, who has given us many unforgettable performances over the years as a titan among his peers. His performance of this concerto will be consummate.

It is important to know that Beethoven had Napoleon in mind when he began sketching out the concerto; by the time he finished composing it, the French had occupied Vienna and Napoleon proclaimed himself Emperor.

Cannons and guns were going off all around the city as Beethoven was composing, and indeed those noises found their way into the concerto.

A celebration of Beethoven’s orchestral writing would not be complete without performing his great Symphony no. 5. This symphony is both revolutionary in spirit as well as in composition, from its famous four-note motif to its last movement so triumphant of the human experience.

This all-Beethoven program is a music lover’s dream and will remind us why to this day Beethoven is regarded as one of the greatest gifts to mankind.

– John DeMain

Symphony Moments

continued

Hear what the audience had to say…

“I loved EVERYTHING about this concert. I enjoyed the Kabelevsky overture. The Marsalis was utterly terrific and Ms. Hall-Tompkins’ performance exceptional. The Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3 is a personal favorite and I greatly enjoyed hearing live with Mr. Zelek playing that wonderful organ.”

“Kelly Hall-Tompkins was incredible, and the pieces played are

PREMIERE DEBUT January 21, 22 & 23, 2022

not often heard live. I especially loved the Marsalis concerto.”

“The Marsalis piece captured me from beginning to end.

I didn’t want it to be over.”

John DeMain, Conductor, Kelly Hall-Tompkins, Violin, Greg Zelek, Organ KABALEVSKY | MARSALIS | SAINT-SAËNS “The shining star of this weekend’s program is Wynton Marsalis’ Violin Concerto, an unparalleled piece that reflects the composer’s diverse expertise in both jazz and classical idioms. Marsalis brings violin concerto repertoire into new realms, both building off of established traditions and forging its own path, and for that reason, the piece feels both astonishingly familiar and new. The soloist Kelly Hall-Tompkins effortlessly synthesized the various musical traditions —

“The high quality and total commitment of the performers and the joy of sharing music that was exuded by the orchestra and audience.”

“I have never heard a better performance (including recordings) of the Kabalevsky Colas Breugnon Overture nor the Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3! Wow! The Violin Concerto by Wynton Marsalis was new to me, and I enjoyed it. The performance by Kelly Hall-Tompkins was beautiful and flawless!”

“Ms. Hall-Tompkin’s performance made me cry with emotion,

folk, jazz, classical — contained within this unique concerto.

something I rarely do. Many of the virtuosic soloists have

Along with breadth, this concerto demands depth, and

made my jaw drop, but she is the only one who moved me

Hall-Tompkins’s virtuosity was on display from the first

with such feeling.”

to the final note.”

- Matt Ambrosio, The Cap Times 19

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MADISON WI PERMIT NO 9

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

S AV E T H E D AT E S

imagine... being together with us for an exciting new season of live music!

Your Symphony’s 2022–2023 season begins in September. Mark your calendar: 2023

2022 SEPT. 23, 24 & 25 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 Larson, Mezzo-soprano Jared Esguerra, Tenor Matt Boehler, Bass Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director OCT. 14, 15 & 16 Richard Strauss, Death and Transfiguration Samuel Barber, Violin Concerto Felix Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 3 in A minor John DeMain, Conducting James Ehnes, Violin

NOV. 11, 12 & 13 Arturo Márquez, Danzón No. 2 Max Bruch, Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Pathétique

JAN. 20, 21 & 22 Franz Schubert, Symphony No. 3 in D major Béla Bartók, The Miraculous Mandarin Sergei Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor

John DeMain, Conducting Christina and Michelle Naughton, Piano Duo

John DeMain, Conducting Yefim Bronfman, Piano

DEC. 2, 3 & 4 A Madison Symphony Christmas 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

FEB. 17, 18 & 19 Jessie Montgomery, Coincident Dances Edvard Grieg, Piano Concerto in A minor Hector Berlioz, Symphonie fantastique John DeMain, Conducting Benjamin Grosvenor, Piano MARCH 19 Beyond the Score® Gustav Mahler, Symphony No. 4 in G major

APR. 14, 15 & 16 Benjamin Britten, Four Sea Interludes Camille Saint-Saëns, Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor Johannes Brahms, Symphony No. 2 in D major John DeMain, Conducting Blake Pouliot, Violin MAY 5, 6 & 7 Florence Price, Symphony No. 3 in C minor Carl Orff, Carmina Burana John DeMain, Conducting Jeni Houser, Soprano Justin Kroll, Tenor Ben Edquist, Baritone Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director

Kyle Knox, Conducting Emily Secor, Soprano James Ridge, Actor Colleen Madden, Actor Gavin Lawrence, Narrator

Subscriptions available in March. Discover more.

Visit madisonsymphony.org/22-23 Photo: Peter Rodgers

Programs, dates, and artists subject to change.