Hope Horne
Greg Zelek: The heart behind MSO’s organ sound
June 4, 2025
Greg Zelek, principal organist for the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and curator of the Overture Concert Organ, began studying piano at the age of seven. When his Catholic middle school in Miami, Florida, installed a new organ, a rare and impressive instrument for the area, Zelek saw an opportunity. He started playing organ for church services to earn a little extra cash.
What started as a side gig led to Zelek applying for conservatory programs, eventually going on to study at The Juilliard School in New York.
Zelek’s first performance at Overture Center was on a night he’ll never forget—Election Night 2016.
“I was shocked and impressed that more than 500 people showed up for the concert on such a significant night,” he recalled.
That visit planted the seeds for something greater. Then-principal organist Samuel Hutchison took Zelek out to dinner and asked, “Could you ever see yourself living in Madison?” At the time, Zelek couldn’t imagine what the job or the city might entail. But a year later, Hutchison made it happen, advocating for Zelek to succeed him in the role.
Zelek’s first concert as principal organist was MSO’s popular Farmers’ Market concert in August 2017.
“I’m so spoiled playing in Madison because we get the biggest crowds,” Zelek exclaimed. “Playing anywhere else... nothing compares to the Midwest.”
Curating with Creativity
As curator of MSO’s Organ Series, Zelek has earned the trust of the Madison audience. That trust gives him room to get creative.
“When you first come into a position like this, you must prove yourself and what you envision. Now, people trust the artists I bring in and the programs I create, and that makes it really enjoyable,” Zelek said.
Each season, Zelek programs concerts that aim to draw in both loyal fans and curious newcomers.
“I think about how to attract people who wouldn’t normally come to an organ concert,” he said. “Maybe they came for something else and then leave saying their favorite part was hearing the organ.”
Zelek blends genres and collaborates with diverse musicians, keeping his programs varied.
“You can’t rely on a successful season to guarantee the next one. You have to maintain artistic excellence while staying innovative. Creativity is the greatest part of what I do,” said Zelek.
It helps that he has one of the finest instruments in the world at his fingertips.
“The Overture Concert Organ is a world-class instrument, the kind you wouldn't expect to find in the middle of a city of this size,” Zelek shared. “The all-encompassing volume and breath of sounds that come out of the 4,040 pipes are truly remarkable.”
The Organ’s Role in Community
Zelek believes that the Overture Concert Organ and the arts play a vital role in shaping Madison’s culture.
“The greatest thing about my time here is the relationships I’ve built,” said Zelek. “The appreciation people have for what I do is so genuine. I feel incredibly honored to call Madison home. There’s just nothing like this community.”
That sense of connection has inspired some of his favorite memories of Madison. He recalls a concert with trombonist Mark Hetzler, when a last-minute cancellation led them to add a drummer on stage.
“It pushed me creatively and changed the way I think about programming,” said Zelek.
Bringing in guest artists also gives Zelek the chance to bridge his past and present.
“My Juilliard teacher Paul Jacobs has performed here three times. To combine your past with your current life in such a meaningful way is one of the best parts of this job,” said Zelek.
During the pandemic, MSO streamed organ concerts from Overture Hall, offering hope and music at a time when the world had largely gone silent.
“The video format let people see what I actually do at the organ, which is often hidden during live concerts. It was incredibly meaningful to reconnect with audiences that way,” Zelek shared.
Looking Ahead
As Overture nears the end of its 20th anniversary celebrations and MSO approaches its 100th, Zelek is energized by what’s ahead.
“I'm especially excited about this upcoming season. Over the past eight years, we've seen constant growth in ticket sales, in support and in enthusiasm from audiences new and old,” Zelek shared.
The MSO centennial will be a major milestone.
“To survive 100 years in anything is a feat. There’s so much creativity happening right now, and there’s a real buzz with new people discovering us, new energy in the air,” said Zelek. “And it's been an incredible honor to play for Maestro DeMain and with my MSO colleagues.”
Zelek is eager to keep building on that momentum as he approaches the upcoming season, noting, “The potential to bring even more people in to experience these incredible evenings of music—that’s what excites me most.”
