Madison Symphony Orchestra
Four the Soul
Friday, April 10 - Sunday, April 12, 2026
Overture Hall
$22 - $125
Prelude Discussion
Enjoy a 30-minute conversation starting one hour before each concert in Overture Hall. Free to ticketholders.
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. Rodrigo’s “Concierto Andaluz,” performed by the world-renowned Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, celebrates the spirit of Andalusia, a region in southern Spain with its lively rhythms and soulful melodies. Each movement captures a unique aspect of Spanish culture, from the exuberance of a flamenco dance to the delicate beauty of a serenade. This work shines as a testament to Rodrigo’s genius and the flavorful allure of Spanish music. Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 2” is a powerful work often described as the “Symphony of Independence.” It is deeply rooted in the Finnish composer’s national identity, filled with moments of lyrical beauty and triumphant resolve. We’ll come away from this concert feeling the rhythms of living through music.
– John DeMain, Music Director
Featuring
Laura Jackson, Guest Conductor
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Guest Artists John Dearman Matt Greif Bill Kanengiser Douglas Lora
Music
Jimmy López, Fiesta! Four Pop Dances for Orchestra
Joaquin Rodrigo, Concierto Andaluz
Jean Sibelius, Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43
If you’d like to subscribe to the Madison Symphony’s 2025–2026 season, please visit madisonsymphony.org or call (608) 257-3734.
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Fri, Apr 10, 2026
7:30 PM
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Sat, Apr 11, 2026
7:30 PM
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Sun, Apr 12, 2026
2:30 PM
Upcoming Classical Music Events
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October 10
Friday
Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Musical Landscapes in Color Vol III: Endeavor
Capitol Theater
“Endeavor” is a bold exploration of the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s only fitting that the third installment of the Musical Landscapes in Color project features living Black American composers whose works span nearly three decades of innovation.
7:30 PM -
October 17 - October 19
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Primal Light
Overture Hall
This concert opens with a fresh take on the story of resurrection with lush layers of colorful sound evoking a cinematic feel. “Resurrexit” by Mason Bates will take you on a mystical pilgrimage with shimmering exotic tonalities that give way to contemplation and dramatic stirrings of rebirth.
Multiple Showtimes -
October 30
Thursday
Classical Music WSMA High School State Honors Music Project Concerts
Overture Hall
Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) State Honors Music Project began in 1967 to provide musically accomplished youth the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the nation's finest conductors in a professional and highly disciplined setting. This year, more than 1,250 student auditions were performed for the privilege of being one of the 429 students selected for membership in the five prestigious High School State Honors ensembles.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 7 - November 9
Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater La Bohème
Overture Hall
The greatest love story in opera, “La Bohème” remains eternally young. Set to a ravishing score, Puccini’s classic opera tells of the lives, loves and losses of a group of young artists in a Bohemian quarter of Paris.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 14
Friday
Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks I - Eroica
Capitol Theater
“Eroica” kicks off the 2025/26 Masterworks Season in Capitol Theater, encapsulating the timeless beauty of classical music.
7:30 PM -
November 18
Tuesday
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Greg Zelek with Caleb Hudson, Trumpet
Overture Hall
Trumpeter Caleb Hudson has made a name for himself as one of the most virtuosic trumpet soloists as well as a respected pedagogue. Experience his incredible talent in a program featuring many arrangements for organ and trumpet.
7:30 PM -
November 21 - November 22
Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Handel's Messiah
Bethel Lutheran Church
Kicking off the holiday season early, join the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Festival Choir of Madison for a favorite holiday tradition.
Multiple Showtimes -
November 21 - November 23
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Radiance
Overture Hall
“Rainbow Body,” a luminous work by American composer Christopher Theofanidis, weaves ancient and modern worlds together to take us on a spellbinding journey. Inspired by the chant “Ave Maria” by medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen, the piece reimagines her melodies in lush, cinematic orchestration.
Multiple Showtimes -
December 5 - December 7
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music A Madison Symphony Christmas
Overture Hall
This spectacular annual celebration has become a joyful way to begin the holiday season in our community for concertgoers of all ages. The Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs and the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir join us to bring this special concert to life.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 23 - January 25
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Heartbeat
Overture Hall
The Symphony's new year begins with Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Escaramuza” (meaning “skirmish” in Spanish), a dynamic and colorful work inspired by her Peruvian heritage. This spirited piece captures the energy of the lively Kachampa Andean dance, celebrating the agility and strength of Inca warriors.
Multiple Showtimes -
January 30
Friday
Classical Music, Music, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra Masterworks II - Prokofiev Prowess
Capitol Theater
Join the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for an electrifying evening showcasing the fiery virtuosity of guest pianist Ilya Yakushev in Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto No. 3.”
7:30 PM -
January 31
Saturday
2025/26 Season, Classical Music, Film, Music, Overture Presents Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert
Overture Hall
In the epic finale to the Harry Potter Film Concert Series the battle between good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war!
Multiple Showtimes -
February 13 - February 15
Classical Music, Madison Opera, Music, Theater Everlasting Faint
Capitol Theater
Based on the true story of the 1897 “Greenbrier Ghost,” “Everlasting Faint” is a ghost story, a maternal love story, a true crime drama and an all-American opera. Don’t miss this world premiere by Madison composer Scott Gendel and librettist Sandra Flores-Strand.
Multiple Showtimes -
February 20 - February 22
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Playful Pursuits
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 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 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 20 - March 22
Classical Music, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Force of Nature
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
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
Classical Music, Film, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert
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, Madison Symphony Orchestra, Music An Evening of Chamber Music and Organ
Overture Hall
Trumpeter Caleb Hudson has made a name for himself as one of the most virtuosic trumpet soloists as well as a respected pedagogue. Experience his incredible talent in a program featuring many arrangements for organ and trumpet.
7:30 PM