Hope Horne
Maestro John DeMain: An all-Gershwin celebration with Madison Symphony Orchestra
April 16, 2025
A season finale with swing and soul
As Madison Symphony Orchestra closes its 99th season, Maestro John DeMain is bringing it home with a joyful celebration of one of America’s most iconic composers—George Gershwin. The all-Gershwin program will showcase works full of soul, swing and symphonic beauty, featuring the return of soprano Michelle Johnson, the Madison Symphony Chorus and pianist Philippe Bianconi.
“It’s been over a decade since we’ve done an all-Gershwin concert,” DeMain said. “I wanted to return to Concerto in F—I just love that piece.”
DeMain has a long-standing connection with Gershwin’s work. Since 1976, he has conducted more than 400 performances of “Porgy and Bess” around the world and earned a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording.
“It was originally part of the U.S. bicentennial celebration with the Houston Grand Opera,” he said. “We toured all over the country, and the recording was so successful that I kept being asked to do it.”
Many call “Porgy and Bess” DeMain’s signature piece. “I figured I had to do it again before my last season,” he said.
DeMain first encountered Gershwin as a child, playing his piano preludes and later performing “Rhapsody in Blue.”
“Who doesn’t love Rhapsody in Blue?” he exclaimed.
Madison Symphony Orchestra in performance
A cast and orchestra ready to shine
This program brings together artists who understand Gershwin’s unique blend of classical and jazz styles. Soprano Michelle Johnson, who will sing selections from “Porgy and Bess,” was recommended to DeMain as “the best Bess ever.”
He recalled thinking, “If I could get her and Eric Greene to be my two soloists, this could be spectacular.”
The MSO musicians also play a vital role in bringing Gershwin’s sound to life.
“American musicians today can authentically handle jazz,” DeMain said. “They can play these rhythms with great style, and the orchestra will bring that authenticity.”
He compared “Porgy and Bess” to Bizet’s “Carmen,” noting the strong presence of dance rhythms.
“In every turn, you have these dance rhythms. The orchestra has to play with an authentic style and take on a kind of Broadway sensibility,” he said. “These young musicians today can eat that stuff up—they play all the genres. I’ve experienced watching musicians grow into that over my lifetime.”
Looking to the future in a milestone year
As MSO prepares to enter its 100th season, this concert sets the tone for what’s to come.
“With my last year conducting, there are certain pieces I want to do and certain artists I want to work with,” DeMain said. “I want to end on a very happy note.”
He sees the centennial season as both a celebration and a chance to move the orchestra forward.
“We’re trying to point the orchestra forward—with diverse programming and new ideas,” he said. “Next year will have its own surprises.”
In addition to the performances, the centennial will be marked by a book on MSO’s history by Michael Allsen and the release of DeMain’s own memoir.
And as for Gershwin’s legacy? DeMain is confident it will endure.
“Jazz musicians play his music all the time. It’s part of our musical culture,” he said. “You look at this year—we celebrated the 100th anniversary of ‘Rhapsody in Blue.’ Is it old hat by now? No!”
There’s no denying that Gershwin occupies a unique spot in American music, having set the stage for the incorporation of jazz and popular melodies into classical forms.
More information on the program can be found in Michael Allsen’s program notes.
