Madison Symphony Orchestra

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Adam Almeida

The four members of LA Guitar Quartet and guitars.

LA Guitar Quartet

The Madison Symphony’s April concerts offer a variety of musical flavors in a program led by guest conductor Laura Jackson, music director/conductor for the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. The evening begins with Fiesta! Four Pop Dances for Orchestra, by modern Peruvian composer Jimmy López, which brings the energy of Latin American, Afro-Peruvian and techno to the symphonic world. The program also features Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto Andaluz, performed by renowned guest artists Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and closes with the sweeping drama of Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2. If you want to learn more about the music, get to Overture an hour early for pre-concert talks by Jackson. Performances at 7:30 p.m. April 10-11 and 2:30 p.m. April 12

media release: The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet will perform with the Madison Symphony Orchestra Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 10, 11 and 12 in Overture Hall. Laura Jackson will be the guest conductor. The program includes works by Jimmy López, Joaquín Rodrigo and Jean Sibelius.

The concert opens with Jimmy López’s Fiesta! Four Pop Dances for Orchestra, a vibrant celebration of life, culture and happiness. Filled with pulsating rhythms, bold colors and infectious energy, the work draws from the rich traditions of Latin American music and concludes with a blazing techno-inspired finale.

Next, the Grammy® Award-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet takes the stage to perform Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto Andaluz. Celebrating the spirit of Andalusia in southern Spain, the piece features lively rhythms and soulful melodies. Each movement captures a unique aspect of Spanish culture, from the exuberance of a flamenco dance to the delicate beauty of a serenade.

After intermission, the orchestra performs Jean Sibelius’ bracing and exhilarating Symphony No. 2, a favorite of audiences since its 1902 premiere.

Also featured during the April concert weekend is MSO After Dark: Latin Night, part of MSO’s After Dark series designed for young professionals ages 21-40. Taking place on Friday, April 10, immediately following the concert, guests are encouraged to head to Cielo for a lively Latin-themed celebration featuring DJ Jimmy Celius, empanadas, snacks and a cash bar. Ticket options include $20 for the After Dark event only or $40 for a combined concert and After Dark experience. For more information: https://madisonsymphony.org/event/after-dark-apr-2026/

Madison Classical Guitar Society members will perform in the Overture Lobby before each concert:

Fri: Tom Nauman & Christopher Allen

Sat: Gabor Szarvas & students

Sun: Katie Hanson & Matt Ackerman

About the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ) is a Grammy® Award-winning chamber ensemble that has set the standard for guitar ensemble performance for more than four decades. The group’s repertoire spans classical transcriptions, contemporary works and world music.

Recent recordings include “Opalescent” (LAGQ Records 2022), “The Singing Guitar” (Delos, 2021), a Grammy-nominated collaboration with the Grammy-winning choir Conspirare and Pay Metheny’s “Road to the Sun” (Modern Recordings/BMG, 2021), which reached No. 1 on the Apple Music Classical charts.

Single tickets for all concerts and events can be purchased through the Overture Center Box Office or online https://madisonsymphony.org/event/laguitarquartet/.

About the Madison Symphony Orchestra

The Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 100th Anniversary season in 2025-2026. The MSO has grown to be one of America’s leading regional orchestras, providing Madison and south-central Wisconsin with cultural and educational opportunities to interact with great masterworks and top-tier guest artists from around the world. 2025-2026 marks John DeMain’s 32nd year and final season as Music Director. Learn more at madisonsymphony.org.

The Presenting Sponsor for these concerts is Marvin J. Levy, and Major Sponsors include the WMTV, Carla and Fernando Alvarado, Diane Ballweg, David Flanders and Susan Ecroyd, Nancy Mohs and Kay Schwichtenberg and Herman Baumann. Additional sponsors include Robert Benjamin and John Fields, Board Clark Law Firm and Wisconsin Arts Board.