In Perfect Harmony: Celebrating 20 Years of Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra at Overture

As Overture celebrates its 20th anniversary, we are paying homage to our resident organizations. Next up is the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO), known for its vibrant performances in Overture’s historic Capitol Theater.

WCO’s music director, Andrew Sewell, has led the orchestra through its artistic journey, reflecting on the transformative role Overture Center has played in shaping their performances and connecting them to the Madison community.

“The Capitol Theater concert hall is a magnificent hall. The acoustical improvements made during the renovation in 2005, made it a ‘dream come true’ for the WCO,” said Sewell. “We are so privileged to call it our home, and every time we play there and have a soloist join us, they marvel at the quality of the acoustics and the magnificence of the building.”

Since becoming a resident organization, the WCO has truly flourished at Overture, establishing a deeper connection with its audiences. “Overture has provided us with a home and focal point in the center of downtown Madison,” said Sewell. "We cherish being able to provide the community with live classical music in such a state-of-the-art facility."

Over the years, WCO has built a repertoire of unforgettable performances at Overture. For Sewell, some moments stand out as particularly special. "Our opening concert in 2004 with Art Garfunkel in Overture Hall, and our Capitol Theater opening concert in November 2005 with pianist Stewart Goodyear and soprano Kathleen Battle were both truly special moments in time,” said Sewell.

These performances exemplify the range of artistic experiences that WCO has brought to Madison, from large-scale collaborations to intimate, classically focused performances.

Looking back over 20 years of partnership with Overture, Sewell reflects on how the orchestra has grown and adapted. "It is hard to believe we have been together for 20 years! Our audiences continue to develop and grow,” Sewell shared. “The other resident organizations make this partnership very special, and we appreciate working with those partners in scheduling and working together during the season."

Capitol Theater has provided a venue for WCO to showcase its exceptional talent and push its artistic boundaries. "The Capitol Theater has provided a venue for us to grow as an orchestra," Sewell explained. "We have exceptional talent, and we are proud to call Overture Center our home."

WCO’s role extends beyond its performances inside Overture Center. Their “Concerts on the Square” series brings classical music to thousands of people during the summer, offering free outdoor concerts that have become a staple of Madison’s cultural landscape. According to Sewell, this wouldn't be possible without the orchestra's connection to Overture and the broader Madison community.

“I think the Madison community recognizes we punch much higher above our weight in terms of bringing a wide palette of music to our community, and the artistry of our musicians and soloists,” Sewell said. “We want to provide a welcoming place to enjoy classical music in our community—and one that is available to all.”

As WCO prepares for its upcoming season, Sewell highlighted some exciting performances that reflect both tradition and innovation. “We have a season of five ‘Masterworks’ concerts, and ‘The Nutcracker’ with Madison Ballet,” Sewell explained. The orchestra’s Convergence program, part of a five-year recording project titled “Musical Landscapes in Color,” is a special evening dedicated to bringing forward new, diverse composers and recording their works to live on beyond the live performance.

WCO’s opening “Masterworks” concert on Friday, November 8, will honor classical history with repertoire that includes Stamitz, Beethoven and Louise Farrenc, while their February concert will feature a collaboration with Madison Ballet, blending contemporary compositions by Oliver Davis with works by Dvořák.

As WCO celebrates 20 years with Overture, the orchestra remains committed to bringing diverse, world-class performances to Madison, both on and off the stage.

“We support and salute Overture Center for their 20th anniversary celebration!” Sewell concluded.

RETURN TO BLOG INDEX