MSO’s “Orchestral Splendor” showcases

Type:

• Music
• Social

This Event: May be of interest to the LGBTQ community

“Orchestral Splendor” season premiere showcases
Madison Symphony Orchestra Sept. 19, 20, 21

In celebration of 10 years in Overture Hall, Conductor John DeMain and the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will open the 2014-2015 season with a program highlighting the talented members of the orchestra, as well as the colossal Overture Concert Organ.

Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra will open the concert; its “sunrise” moment has become synonymous with the Stanley Kubrick film, 2001, A Space Odyssey. Then, in Frank Martin’s Concerto for Seven Wind Instruments, Percussion, and String Orchestra, the MSO’s virtuosic wind principals will be on vivid display. The finale will feature the breathtaking power of the Overture Concert Organ, as MSO organist Sam Hutchison joins the symphony in Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3, the grandest work written for symphony and organ.

The concerts are Fri., Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 20, at 8 p.m.; and Sun., Sept. 21, at 2:30 p.m. in Overture Hall, 201 State Street.

Also sprach Zarathustra (translating to, “Thus spoke Zarathustra”) is a classic Strauss tone-poem based on the prose-poem of the same name by the philosopher Nietzsche. The music does not act as a literal depiction of Zarathustra’s journey, but rather an epic and lush interpretation of Nietzsche’s ideas. Throughout the composition, special focus will go to the violin solos played by MSO concertmaster, Naha Greenholtz.

Composed in 1949, Martin’s Concerto for Seven Wind Instruments, Percussion, and String Orchestra explores unique combinations of instrument sonority and expression. The virtuosic and conversational writing for the soloists in the piece results in a playful, sportive character. The MSO soloists include: Stephanie Jutt, flute; Marc Fink, oboe; Joseph Morris, clarinet; Cynthia Cameron-Fix, bassoon; Linda Kimball, horn; John Aley, trumpet; and Joyce Messer, trombone.

Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3, known also as the “Organ Symphony,” draws on elements of both the conventional symphony and the tone poem. Unusual in its own time, yet popular from its conception, the work features virtuosic piano and organ passages.

One hour before each performance Anders Yocom, a host on Wisconsin Public Radio, will lead a 30-minute Prelude Discussion in Overture Hall to enhance concertgoers’ understanding and listening experience. More background on the music can also be found in the Program Notes at: www.madisonsymphony.org/orchestra

Single Tickets, which go on sale Aug. 16, 2014, are $16 to $84 each, available at www.madisonsymphony.org/singletickets and through the Overture Center Box Office at 201 State Street or call the Box Office at (608) 258-4141.

New subscribers can receive up to a 50% discount. For more information and to subscribe, visit www.madisonsymphony.org/newsub or call (608) 257-3734.

Groups of 15 or more can save 25% by calling the MSO office at (608) 257-3734.
For more information visit, www.madisonsymphony.org/groups

Student rush tickets can be purchased in person on the day of the concert at the Overture Box Office at 201 State Street. Full-time college-age students must show a valid student ID and can receive up to two $12 or $15 tickets. More information is at: www.madisonsymphony.org/studentrush Students can receive 20% savings on seats in select areas of the hall on advance ticket purchases.

Seniors age 62 and up receive 20% savings on advance and day-of-concert ticket purchases in select areas of the hall.

Discounted seats are subject to availability, and discounts may not be combined.
The Madison Symphony Orchestra marks its 89th concert season in 2014-2015 with Music Director John DeMain’s in his 21st year leading the orchestra. The Symphony engages audiences of all ages and backgrounds in classical music through a full season of concerts with established and emerging soloists of international renown, an organ series that includes free concerts, and widely respected education and community engagement programs. Find more information at www.madisonsymphony.org.

Major funding for the September season premiere concerts is provided by Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, with additional funds from the Wisconsin Arts Board.