Courtesy Concerts on the Square
A Concerts on the Square performance on June 26, 2024.
Concerts on the Square has been held on the Capitol Square since 1984.
In deference to the grieving that continues over the fatal Madison police shooting of Corey Ruiz on July 22, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra has canceled its final performance of the Concerts on the Square season, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29.
“Our community is hurting,” Joe Loehnis, CEO of the chamber orchestra, said in a Monday news release. “The Black community continues to grieve the loss of Corey Durell Ruiz, and we recognize the importance of honoring this moment with care and compassion. After listening to our community, we believe stepping back from this week’s performance is the right decision.”
The orchestra also canceled the July 22 concert shortly before it started, after protesters marched on the Capitol Square packed with concert-goers, seeking to make their call for accountability and justice unavoidable the same day that Ruiz was shot and killed.
“May we all try to make our community better,” said Loehnis, as he canceled the concert. As protesters later marched away from the concert down East Washington Avenue, the ringing of mini blue cowbells handed out by the chamber orchestra and taken by marchers mixed with honking car horns and chants.
WCO music director Andrew Sewell noted in Monday’s news release that Concerts on the Square has always existed to “bring people together.”
This week, he added, “We believe the most meaningful way we can serve our community is by making space for healing and for the important conversations that need to take place.”
The arts organization urged people to “support and amplify the work of trusted organizations that have long been serving Madison,” including Freedom Inc., Urban Triage, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, Nehemiah Center for Urban Development, the Urban League of Greater Madison, and the Black Chamber of Commerce.
“We know music has the power to unite people,” said Loehnis. “Sometimes, however, serving our community means recognizing that listening is what’s needed most. We remain committed to standing alongside Madison with humility, compassion, and hope for the future.”
Complete cancellations of Concerts on the Square have been rare. A 2023 season closing concert featuring guest artist Tiempo Libre was unable to take place due to poor air quality. It has become somewhat common in recent years for concerts to move from Wednesday to Thursday night due to inclement weather, including two weeks in a row during the 2021 season that took place at Breese Stevens Field.
Other events have been canceled due to the police shooting, including last weekend’s AtwoodFest, the Big Honey Little Improv Festival at Broom Street Theater, Concerts on the Rooftop at Monona Terrace, and Friday’s Bodega at Breese Stevens Field. The Saturday Dane County Farmers’ Market shortened its hours.
