Madison Symphony Orchestra
Ax Plays Mozart
Friday, March 20 - Sunday, March 22
Overture Hall
$22 - $125
Prelude Discussion
Enjoy a 30-minute conversation starting one hour before each concert in Overture Hall. Free to ticketholders.
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. Emanuel Ax returns to lend his mastery and lyricism to Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 25,” a work filled with grandeur and elegance composed at the height of his creative genius. Grammy winning composer Gabriela Ortiz grew up steeped in the indigenous music of her native Mexico. Her “Téenek” channels the spirit of the Huasteca region of Mexico. Respighi’s “Pines of Rome” is a symphonic masterpiece that paints a vivid portrait of Italy’s Eternal City through its famous pine trees, opening with a scene of children at play and ending with a depiction of a Roman Army on the march. This work’s dramatic orchestration, including offstage brass and bird calls, creates a sensory experience like no other. You’ll feel energy, power and sense of place in each piece of music at this concert.
– John DeMain, Music Director
Featuring
John DeMain, Conductor
Emanuel Ax, Piano
Music
Richard Strauss, Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 25 in C, K. 503 3. Ottorino Respighi, Pines of Rome
Upcoming Classical Music Events
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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 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 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 -
May 1 - May 3
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Voices Eternal
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 -
June 13 - June 14
Classical Music, Free Events, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music A Community Gift and Dream — for the Love of Music
During this free, two-day festival celebration, MSO musicians and diverse community groups will perform on a rotating schedule throughout Overture Center for the Arts. The Sunday concert features some of the “greatest hits” of classical music and will be the final concert Maestro John DeMain conducts as Music Director.
Multiple Showtimes