Greg Zelek, Laura Burns, Chris Dozoryst, Derek Handley, Hillary Hempel

×

Expand

Madison Symphony Orchestra principal organist Greg Zelek.

media release: Free Farmers' Market Organ Concert

Join Principal Organist Greg Zelek and MSO Musicians Laura Burns, Chris Dozoryst, Derek Handley, and Hillary Hempel for a FREE Concert in Overture Hall on Saturday, August 28!

“I can’t think of a better way to get back to sharing live music from Overture Hall than with a free Farmers’ Market Organ Concert! With a first half of music performed by a string quartet made up of musicians from our own Madison Symphony Orchestra, our audience will get a chance to hear the power and beauty of the Overture Concert Organ and other instruments in this free event. The quartet will perform the music of Beethoven to ring in the spectacular MSO season and I will give a sneak peak of what I will be performing to open our 2021-22 Organ Series in October. Hope to see you there!” -Greg Zelek

Step into the cool expanse of Overture Hall during the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square to enjoy the gift of beautiful music with the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Overture Concert Organ. Bring your family and friends for a relaxing 45-minute free concert. No tickets or reservations are needed and all ages are welcome!

Aug. 19 update:When live performances return to Overture Center for the Arts in September, we want to offer the safest environment possible for our patrons, artists, employees, volunteers and community. Following the lead of performing arts centers and live performance venues across the nation, we have implemented the following requirements for everyone who enters the building:

• must wear a face mask that covers nose and mouth.
• must be fully vaccinated, meaning their last dose must have been administered at least 14 days before the event.
• must show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination with a physical vaccination card, a photograph of the card or a digital vaccination record, or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to the performance, with a photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or student identification.

For full details, visit https://www.overture.org/health.

“Safety is our number one concern,” said Jacquie Goetz, chief operations officer. “We understand these requirements may seem strict, but when we’re gathering hundreds or even thousands of people together, we want to do our part to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. We want everyone who enters Overture to feel safe.”

Broadway recently expanded its vaccination mandate beyond performers and backstage crew to include audiences. In addition, Overture Center has mandated proof of vaccination for its staff and volunteers.

Current ticket holders will be informed of the policies via email this week and again in pre-show emails. Notices will be placed at all entrances.

Ticket holders who do not want to wear a face mask and those who are unable to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test may obtain a ticket refund by contacting the Ticket Office at tickets@overture.org or 608.258.4141. Refunds are being accepted for shows through September 30, 2021. Refund policies will be evaluated monthly.

In addition to vaccination and mask requirements, Overture has made the following updates to its facility and operations:

• Installed touchless security systems at entrances
• Installed touchless credit card readers at the ticket office
• Installed touchless ticket scanning devices
• Installed touchless sinks and toilets in all bathrooms
• Provided hand sanitation stations throughout the building
• Increased fresh air intake throughout the building
• Increased routine cleaning and sanitation throughout the building
• Turned off all water fountains/bubblers.
• Reduced concessions to drinks only, to be consumed in the lobby only.

“We’ve been closed for almost 18 months, and we want to be cautious in how we bring our patrons, artists, employees, volunteers and community together again to avoid another shutdown,” said Goetz. “We’re committed to creating a safe environment, so the shows can go on.”

Overture Center’s COVID-19 reopening policies for public events are in effect when the building officially reopens on Monday, Aug. 30 and will remain in effect until further notice. Policies will be in effect for the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Farmers’ Market Organ Concert on Saturday, Aug. 28 as well.