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Musicianship at its finest! Experience the brilliance of harpist Johanna Wienholts and WCO Principal flute Brandon LePage as they perform works by Debussy and Carlos Simon. Paired with Mozart’s iconic Marriage of Figaro and Symphony No. 40, as well as the “Adagietto” from Mahler’s Symphony No. 5—led by guest conductor Yaniv Dinur—this program promises an evening of exceptional artistry and unforgettable music.

Jeans ‘n Classics return to the Square to bring the legendary music of Pink Floyd to life. This electrifying concert pays homage to the iconic album Dark Side of the Moon—first performed on tour right here in Madison in 1973 as the kickoff of their North American tour, over 50 years ago. A spectacular fusion of rock and orchestra, with the dynamic energy that only Jeans ‘n Classics can deliver – this is a night not to be missed.

The 2025 Concerts on the Square season draws to a powerful close with Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F, featuring the Madison debut of rising star pianist Sylvia Jiang. The concert opens with An American City by composer Eric Gould, and the grand finale showcases Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, with its instantly recognizable four-note motif that’s become one of the most iconic intros in the classical world.

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.

Eroica kicks off the 25/26 Masterworks Season in Capitol Theater, encapsulating the timeless beauty of classical music. We welcome back guest violinist Vladyslava Luchenko to perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, whose captivating performance will infuse the stage with emotional depth and brilliance. The evening begins with Rautavaara’s Suite for Strings, a work filled with lush textures and evocative melodies and concludes with Beethoven’s groundbreaking Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major ‘Eroica’. With its sweeping energy and bold sound, the Eroica Symphony celebrates the triumph of the human spirit.

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.

Join us for an electrifying evening showcasing the fiery virtuosity of guest pianist Ilya Yakushev in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. A true tour de force, this concerto brims with lyrical beauty and relentless energy—perfectly suited to Yakushev’s commanding artistry. The program opens with Mozart’s elegant Symphony No. 27 in G Major, a charming and sophisticated gem that captures the composer’s youthful brilliance, and Bizet’s Symphony in C brings the evening to a close, radiating lyrical warmth and French finesse.

Closing the 25/26 Masterworks season is an evening of works known for their virtuosic demands and lush expressive beauty. We open with Caroline Shaw’s Entracte, a captivating work inspired by a single, unexpected shift in harmony from a Haydn string quartet, blending classical sensibilities with modern flair. Joining the orchestra is guest pianist Salome Jordania to perform Saint- Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, a true showcase of the piano's power and elegance. The program concludes with the exuberant Beethoven Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major, often dubbed “the cheerful sibling” to Beethoven’s more dramatic symphonies, offering a light, playful contrast to the intensity of his other works.