Madison Symphony Orchestra
The Final Forte
Wednesday, March 4
6:45 pm
Overture Hall
Free - General Admission
Age Recommendation
All ages
Wisconsin Young Artists Compete
The Final Forte is a free concert broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio on Wednesday, March 4 at 7pm. This extraordinary event is an opportunity to experience the beauty of musical expression, the drama of competition and the inspiring tale of dreams come true as four gifted young artists vie for top honors in the final round of the 2026 Bolz Young Artist Competition. Broadcast from Overture Hall, the concert features the magnificent Madison Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Music Director John DeMain.
This concert is FREE and open to the public. Audience members can register in advance, and must arrive by 6:45pm, prior to the beginning of the live broadcast. Doors open at 6:15pm and close at 6:45pm. No tickets will be issued.
Featuring
John DeMain, Conductor
Lorenz Fradkin-Annen, Violin
Cordelia Momo Fredrickson, Violin
Zachary Lemke, Marimba
André Peck, Piano
Music
Serge Prokofiev, Violin Concerto No.1 op.19 in D Major, 1st movement
Keiko Abe, Prism Rhapsody for Marimba and Orchestra
Dmitry Shostakovich, Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Cadenza & 4th movement
Serge Prokofiev, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1, op. 10 in D-flat major
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Theme and Variations from Suite No.3, op. 55, Variations XI & XII
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 - Schumann in Spring
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