Madison Symphony Orchestra
Overture Center-Overture Hall 201 State St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Katrin Talbot
Madison Symphony Orchestra's Rhapsodie Quartet.
Madison Symphony Orchestra had planned to return to in-person performance with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, one of the most iconic pieces of music in the classical repertoire. But those plans were put on hold by the Dane County mask mandate as it was written as of the start of September; “Joyful Reunion” is moved to the 2022-23 season. The orchestra has gone in a different direction with a new program featuring a smaller performing ensemble entitled “String Spirit,” featuring works by Elgar, Poulenc and Tchaikovsky, by MSO's Rhapsodie Quartet and principal organist Greg Zelek. Concerts are at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24 and 8 p.m., Sept. 25.
press release: The Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has made the difficult decision to postpone its “Joyful Reunion, Beethoven’s Ninth” concerts planned for September 24-26. Because of the new Dane County COVID-19 mandate, MSO deeply regrets that it cannot present the original program. The restrictions are in effect through September 16, well after rehearsals are set to begin for the concerts. The mandate does not allow an exemption for performing artists singing or playing wind instruments without a mask. The MSO has rescheduled this program featuring Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, and the Mozart Oboe Concerto, to open its 22/23 Symphony subscription season on September 23, 24 and 25, 2022.
The much-anticipated joyous return to live classical music will still take place. The MSO has announced that a new program entitled “String Spirit" will be presented on two nights in Overture Hall — Friday, September 24 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, September 25 at 8:00 p.m. The special program is designed with instrumentation that can be performed within the requirements that are currently in effect. “String Spirit" features MSO's Rhapsodie Quartet in Elgar's Introduction and Allegro for Strings, and continues with Poulenc’s Concerto for Organ, Timpani and Strings in G minor featuring MSO's Principal Organist Greg Zelek. Tchaikovsky’s beautiful Serenade for Strings in C major will close the program.
“To say that I’m disappointed that we have to postpone Beethoven's 9th Symphony, would be an understatement on my part,” Music Director John DeMain expressed. “In keeping with the masking guidelines as they are put forth by our public health agencies, I’m excited to offer a new program featuring our massive string section, our virtuoso organist Greg Zelek, and our great timpanist John Jutsum, as well as our beautiful Rhapsodie Quartet.” Maestro DeMain continues, “The program offers stellar showcases of our incredible Symphony string section, numbering some 60 players. We will perform Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, an immensely popular work inspired by Mozart’s serenades, but composed in Tchaikovsky’s inimitable style so beloved by all of us. The other piece is Edward Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro for string quartet and string orchestra. Elgar was a violinist himself, and this work was written to show off the virtuosity of the string orchestra. For those of you who don’t know the Poulenc Organ Concerto for strings, timpani and solo organ, this is one of his masterpieces. I so look forward to you joining us — joyfully welcoming the Madison Symphony Orchestra back safely to the stage in Overture Hall. I can’t wait to see all of you again.”
Two performances of the new concerts will take place in Overture Hall with special pricing and seating to make the program exciting and highly accessible. Seating in the first four sections will be offered, Orchestra, Parterre, Circle, and Mezzanine (the Balcony will be closed). Ticket prices are $20, 40 and $60. 21/22 Symphony season subscribers can purchase tickets for 50% off (subscribers will be sent a discount code). The concert duration will be approximately 90 minutes — presented without an intermission.
Single tickets for “String Spirit" will go on sale beginning Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. through the Overture Center Box Office. Tickets can be purchased online at overture.org, in-person or by phone during Box Office hours (visit overture.org for current schedule). More information about the special September 24-25 “String Spirit” concerts at madisonsymphony.org/spirit. Please note that tickets for “Joyful Reunion, Beethoven’s Ninth” cannot be used for this new concert.
All ticketholders for the “Joyful Reunion, Beethoven’s Ninth” concerts will be sent refunds for the value of the tickets they purchased. The MSO will continue its money back guarantee policy for tickets to any concert that does not take place as planned. The safety of audiences, musicians, guest artists and its staff is paramount. Overture Center for the Arts requirements and health guidelines will be monitored by MSO throughout the season.
The Symphony has received overwhelming positive response to the extraordinary and comprehensive safety measures that Overture Center for the Arts, and Overture Resident Companies have put in place, that include proof of vaccination and wearing masks. These measures were prepared before the new Dane County mandate went into effect, and go beyond the requirements for other venues such as restaurants. More information about the many safety protocols can be found at overture.org/health, and madisonsymphony.org/faq.
We can’t imagine a more exciting way to reunite with you, John DeMain, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra musicians for a true expression of joy when we come together for a thrilling return to live classical music in Overture Hall. Experience Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, one of the most iconic masterpieces of all time that celebrates the freedom and triumph of the human spirit over adversity — bringing to life its “Ode to Joy” — with more meaning now than ever before. We open this special program honoring the brilliant tenure of our principal oboist Marc Fink with the Oboe Concerto by Mozart, who was Beethoven’s compositional inspiration.
Join us for one of three performances!
Friday, September 24, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 25, 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, September 26, 6:30 p.m.*
*Note that the Sunday performance takes place at a later time than usual to accommodate for Art Fair on the Square
Music Program:
Mozart, Oboe Concerto in C major
Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D minor
Featuring:
John DeMain, Conductor
Marc Fink, Oboe
Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director
Elizabeth Caballero, Soprano
Kirsten Larson, Mezzo-soprano
Edward Graves, Tenor
Matt Boehler, Bass
Special Single Ticket Pricing
Tickets are only $15, $30, $60 or $90 for the best seats in the house. Single tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday, August 21 at 11:00 a.m. Tickets for this special concert will only be available through the Overture Center Box Office.
Pre-sale Opportunity and Pricing for Subscribers
21/22 Symphony season subscribers can purchase single tickets at 50% off starting at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 9. This price is available through the concert weekend, and subscribers can purchase as many tickets as they like. More information about how to purchase tickets will be sent to Symphony subscribers the first week of August.
Please note: this concert is separate from the subscription season, and subscription seats are not guaranteed. Single tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For the best available seats, we strongly recommend that you purchase your tickets as early as possible.
We guarantee a refund for tickets to any concert that cannot be performed for any reason. We will adhere to all public health guidelines and cooperate with Overture Center for the Arts to assure your safety. Programs, dates, and artists subject to change.
We understand you may have questions about safety protocols and what to expect this fall when we resume presenting live concerts. We’ve created a Frequently Asked Questions page to provide answers. If you have any further questions about subscriptions, single tickets, or our 21/22 season plans, please call (608) 257-3734, or email us at info@madisonsymphony.org.