Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
Handel's Messiah
Friday, November 21 - Saturday, November 22
Bethel Lutheran Church
Runtime
Approximately 2 hours, 20 minutes with an intermission
Age Recommendation
6 & up
Kicking off the holiday season early, join the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and Festival Choir of Madison for a favorite holiday tradition. Written in just 24 days by George Frideric Handel, “Messiah” is considered the most performed classical piece of music worldwide. Although based on religious texts, the message remains universal, and Handel intended it to be performed in the concert hall. For this performance, the orchestra and choir are joined by Sarah Lawrence, soprano; Sadie Cheslak, alto; Gene Stenger, tenor; and Andrew Garland, baritone.
Upcoming Classical Music Events
-
Classical Music, Free Events The Final Forte
Overture Hall
Four of Wisconsin's brightest young musicians compete in The Final Forte, a free concert held in Overture Hall on Wednesday, March 4th.
6:45 PM -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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.
4:30 PM