Greg Zelek with Leanne Kelso, Hillary Hempel, Christopher Dozoryst, Karl Lavine, David Scholl, Izumi Amemiya, JJ Koh, Cynthia Cameron, Emma Potter

Mar 31, 2026 7:30 PM

Overture Center-Overture Hall 201 State St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703

July 2, 2025

4:27 PM

Peter Rodgers

Madison Symphony Orchestra members, from left, David Scholl, JJ Koh, Karl Lavine, Christopher Dozoryst, Cynthia Cameron, Izumi Amemiya, Hillary Hempel, Emma Potter, Leanne Kelso.

A concert organ, built to shake the rafters, is usually the loudest instrument in the room. For the final edition of this season’s Overture Concert Organ series, it takes a more intimate turn. Madison Symphony Orchestra principal organist Greg Zelek is joined by nine MSO colleagues — Leanne Kelso and Hillary Hempel, violin; Christopher Dozoryst, viola; Karl Lavine, cello; David Scholl, bass; Izumi Amemiya, oboe; JJ Koh, clarinet; Cynthia Cameron, bassoon; and Emma Potter, horn — for chamber-scale works that let the instrument blend rather than dominate. Handel’s G minor Organ Concerto appears alongside music by Mozart and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, giving several orchestra musicians a chance to step forward as soloists.

media release: The Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) celebrates the 21st season of its Overture Concert Organ series with four performances from September 2025 through March 2026. Greg Zelek, principal organist and Elaine and Nicholas Mischler Curator of the Overture Concert Organ has prepared programs featuring guest artists including the UW–Madison Concert Choir, trumpeter Caleb Hudson, organist Felix Hell, and An Evening of Intimate Chamber Music with nine MSO musicians for the 2025–2026 series.

“I’m really excited about the 21st season of the Overture Concert Organ series,” Greg Zelek exclaims. “I get the opportunity to perform with the UW–Madison Concert Choir, former Canadian Brass trumpeter Caleb Hudson, and members of our own MSO to close out our season. We also feature the brilliant organist Felix Hell who will perform his arrangement of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. I can’t wait to share these entertaining and exciting programs with you all!”

An Evening of Intimate Chamber Music Featuring Nine MSO Musicians & Greg Zelek wraps up the 2025–2026 Overture Concert Organ series on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The MSO is celebrating its 100th Anniversary season this year. “It seems only fitting to bring some of my MSO colleagues with me on stage to showcase their talent and our unique pairing for this performance,” Greg Zelek expresses. “While the organ can be a loud instrument, it can also be used in a softer and more subtle way. With works like Handel’s G minor Organ Concerto and movements from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and Coleridge-Taylor’s Nonet, this program will demonstrate the versatility and more intimate side of our instrument. I’m also excited that the audience will get a chance to hear many individual orchestral musicians showcased, as they perform some works as soloists with the organ.”

All 2025–2026 Overture Concert Organ series performances take place in Overture Hall at 7:30 p.m. Subscriptions to all four are available now for 20% off single ticket prices, available online or via phone at (608) 257-3734. Single tickets ($25-$45) go on sale in-person at the Overture Center Box Office, 201 State Street, by phone (608) 258-4141, or online. Discover more at https://madisonsymphony.org/25-26organ