The Madison Symphony Orchestra’s story of innovation, passion for music, education, resilience and vision spans a century. Beginning in the fall of 2025, MSO begins its 100th anniversary of bringing music to life in Madison.
The 2025/2026 season, which runs from October 2025 through May 2026, features eight triple-performance subscription concerts showcasing orchestral music performed by MSO musicians and world- renowned guest soloists. It also includes two MSO at the Movies live- to-film concerts. This season celebrates Maestro John DeMain’s 32nd and final year as music director.
The “100 Years Together in Music” celebration opens on September 19 and 20, 2025. On Friday night, John DeMain conducts the MSO and pianist Olga Kern for “Pure Joy Opening Night: Magical Tchaikovsky & Maestro’s Dinner,” an all-Tchaikovsky concert in Overture Hall. A cocktail reception and formal dinner in the lobby follow the concert. On Saturday, “Soar with Cirque de la Symphonie & Party into the Night” brings together the magic of circus arts and the MSO performing music from famous film scores.
A highlight of the season is the creation of an original composition for orchestra by Jake Heggie in collaboration with librettist Gene Scheer and John DeMain. This major new work, “EARTH: A Choral Symphony,” premieres at the final symphony subscription concerts in May 2026.
The anniversary celebration concludes June 13 and 14, 2026, with “A Community Gift and Dream — for the Love of Music,” a free, two-day open house featuring MSO musicians and diverse community groups performing throughout Overture Center. Main stage events include an Overture Concert Organ performance on Saturday, June 13, and an MSO concert on Sunday, June 14, presenting many of classical music’s “greatest hits.”
The Madison Symphony Orchestra takes pride in its evolution and a clear vision to compose a new future connecting community and expanding musical horizons. Audiences are invited to share their love of live music together — everyone can be part of the experience.
Opposite page, pictured from left to right: John DeMain (Music Director), Robert A. Reed (Executive Director).