Up Close Series
Deerlady: Mali Obomsawin & Magdalena Abrego
Friday, May 2
8pm
Capitol Theater Stage
$45
Age Recommendation
May not be appropriate for young audiences due to content, length or atmosphere.
Step into the groundbreaking world of Deerlady, where punk rock's rebellious spirit meets the finesse of jazz. Obomsawin, hailed as one of GRAMMY.com's top 10 emerging jazz artists, and Abrego, a master of evocative guitar landscapes, craft a daring fusion of free jazz and indie rock. Obomsawin brings her acclaimed bass prowess and compositional genius to the forefront alongside Abrego’s evocative guitar work. Together, they promise an unforgettable Up Close concert experience that defies conventional boundaries.
Experience the magic of live music with our Up Close series as the Capitol Theater stage is transformed into a vibrant cocktail lounge! Enjoy an intimate evening of music featuring a diverse lineup of emerging artists from around the globe.
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We also offer Broadway at Overture packages.
Photos
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Photo Credit: Jared and Abby Lank -
Photo Credit: 2023 Sasha Pedro, all rights reserved. -
Photo Credit: Ben McCanna, Portland Press Herald -
Photo Credit: Jared and Abby Lank
Thank you to our Overture Presents partners
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Charles & Barbara Saeman
Upcoming Music Events
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February 20 - February 22
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Rachel Barton Pine Returns!
Overture Hall
“Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a decidedly playful overture by a very youthful Felix Mendelssohn. This sparkling work captures the magic of the fairy kingdom, the humor of the lovers’ entanglements and the grandeur of Theseus’ court.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 21
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music L.E.X
Rotunda Stage
L.E.X delivers original kid-friendly hip-hop music with positive themes like regulating emotions, being kind, chasing dreams and navigating childhood experiences.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 24
Tuesday
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Felix Hell, Organist
Overture Hall
Organist Felix Hell, who first performed in Madison in 2012, returns with a brilliant and unique program that he calls “Cathedral of Sound: The Organ as Orchestra.”
7:30 PM -
February 25
Wednesday
Classic Rock, Music Joe Bonamassa
Overture Hall
Hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and cited by Guitar World Magazine as “the world's biggest blues guitarist,” Joe Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream.
8:00 PM -
February 27
Friday
Classical Music, Kanopy Dance, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks III - Regeneration with Kanopy Dance Company
Capitol Theater
Universal rhythms explored through music and movement—weaving together themes of transformation and the endless cycle of renewal.
7:30 PM -
March 5
Thursday
2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Canceled - Kyle Taylor Parker: Juke Joint Jubilee
Capitol Theater Stage
Kyle Taylor Parker: Juke Joint Jubilee has been canceled. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and will follow up with all ticket holders to provide next steps.
6:30 PM -
March 7
Saturday
Dance, Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Folk Music, Free Events, Music, Theater, Variety, Visual Arts International Festival
Multiple Venues
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage within our community and enjoy nearly 30 FREE performances throughout Overture by artists who call Dane County home. Indulge in cuisines from around the world, browse stunning arts and crafts available for purchase and learn about the many local businesses with global connections.
10:00 AM -
March 10
Tuesday
2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents DRUM TAO: The Best
Capitol Theater
Experience the pulse-pounding power of Drum TAO, where traditional Japanese Wadaiko drums meet breathtaking performance and modern spectacle. Renowned for their dynamic choreography, striking visuals and thunderous rhythms, “Drum TAO” delivers a performance that is more than just a concert—it’s a full-body experience.
7:00 PM -
March 20 - March 22
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Ax Plays Mozart
Overture Hall
Strauss’ “Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks” is a mischievous tone poem that follows the antics of a legendary trickster. From daring escapades to clever pranks, the music captures Till’s irreverent spirit with virtuosic orchestral writing and humor.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 21
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Tom Pease
Rotunda Stage
One of the series’ most popular performers, Tom Pease engages children with imaginative songs, humor and full audience participation. Pease’s show leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for their own sense of place and community.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 21
Saturday
2025/26 Season, Classical Music, Cover Bands, Music, Overture Presents One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen and The Works
Capitol Theater
Get ready to rock! This high-energy, two-hour stage show brings the legendary music and iconic theatrics of Queen to life, featuring the incredible Gary Mullen & The Works.
7:30 PM -
March 27
Friday
Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks IV - Dueling Violins
Capitol Theater
Prepare to be mesmerized as two extraordinary violin masters, Gilles Apap and Eric Silberger, return to the stage for “Dueling Violins”—not as rivals, but as creative counterparts.
7:30 PM -
March 28 - March 29
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Overture Hall
Madison Symphony Orchestra’s MSO at the Movies presents “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert,” featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY® Award-winning score performed live to the film led by conductor Kyle Knox at Overture Hall.
Multiple Showtimes -
March 31
Tuesday
Classical Music, Cyber Weekend, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music An Evening of Chamber Music and Organ
Overture Hall
As the Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates 100 years this season, it seemed only fitting to bring fellow colleagues on stage with MSO Principal Organist Greg Zelek to showcase their talent and unique pairing. Get a chance to hear many of the orchestra musicians perform works as soloists with the organ.
7:30 PM -
April 4
Saturday
2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Theater An Evening with Audra McDonald
Overture Hall
Overture Center is honored to welcome the incomparable Audra McDonald to Madison for an unforgettable evening of music and artistry. The Tony, Grammy and Emmy winner stands alone as one of the most celebrated performers of our time.
7:30 PM -
April 10 - April 12
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music LA Guitar Quartet
Overture Hall
Peruvian composer Jimmy López’s “Fiesta! Four Pop Dances for Orchestra” is a vibrant and exhilarating celebration of life, culture and happiness. Filled with pulsating rhythms, bold colors and infectious energy, it draws from the rich traditions of Latin American music and ends with a blazing techno finale.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 11
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Limanya Drum and Dance
Rotunda Stage
Performing traditional music from Guinea and Mali, West Africa, Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble incorporates song, dance, drum and theater into high-energy entertainment for all audiences.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 17
Friday
Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks V - Saint-Saëns & Salome
Capitol Theater
Closing the 2025/26 Masterworks season is an evening of works known for their virtuosic demands and lush expressive beauty.
7:30 PM -
April 17
Friday
Classic Rock, Family Friendly, Music, Popular Music The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
Overture Hall
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight presents a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle that infuses iconic rock and metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy. Witness the unexpected union of classical music and metal.
8:00 PM -
April 18
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Duke Otherwise
Rotunda Stage
Don’t miss the wildly entertaining Duke Otherwise! This playful wordsmith, spirited performer and captivating tap dancer brings music and laughter to audiences of all ages.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 23
Thursday
2025/26 Season, Cabaret, Music, Overture Presents Patti Murin: Once Upon a Stage
Capitol Theater Stage
Broadway star Patti Murin invites you on a journey through the music that has shaped her illustrious career. Murin brings her signature warmth, themes of love, resilience and the power of dreams—weaving in heartfelt reflections on motherhood and its impact on her life and artistry.
6:30 PM -
April 24 - April 26
Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater Così fan tutte
Overture Hall
Two sisters, two suitors and a drunken wager about the nature of fidelity—what could possibly go wrong? Mozart’s deliciously risqué romantic comedy is full of sublime arias, sparkling ensembles and the complications that ensue when young love and flirtation encounter reality.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 24
Friday
2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Up Close Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner
Capitol Theater Stage
Hailed as a “gifted virtuoso” (San Francisco Chronicle) with “masterful technique and a veritable deluge of sonorities” (La Presse Montreal), pianist Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner captivates audiences worldwide with his mesmerizing artistry and profound musical storytelling.
8:00 PM -
April 25
Saturday
Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Lullaby Project
Rotunda Stage
Join local musicians and teaching artists for a very special day of sharing songs created for the little ones in your life.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 25
Saturday
2025/26 Season, Music, Overture Presents, Popular Music Take 6
Capitol Theater
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7:30 PM -
May 1
Friday
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Capitol Theater
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7:00 PM -
May 1 - May 3
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Overture Hall
Our reimagined subscription season finale created by John DeMain is an uplifting program bringing to life moments from the MSO’s history, intimate connections to the world of opera, and highlights from his transformational tenure as Music Director. He opens the concert with Wagner’s glorious Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, played by the Madison Civic Symphony in 1926.
Multiple Showtimes