music
Get lost in a live musical journey led by Milwaukee’s most talented musicians and conductors. With everything from classical to contemporary — and everything in between, there’s something for everybody.
2 Pianos 4 Hands
For anyone who ever dreamed big—and then didn’t quite make it—comes the riotous story of two childhood friends who spent years chasing the same goal: concert pianist stardom. Two actors, two pianos, and dozens of characters grace the stage in this hilarious portrayal of pushy parents, eccentric teachers, and the triumphs and tortures of being extraordinarily good musicians. Featuring the music of Bach, Beethoven, Billy Joel, Jerry Lee Lewis and more, this wildly popular show not only hits all the right notes; it tickles the ivories and your funny bone too.
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414.224.9490 Hadelich Performs Sibelius
“Fate, that fatal force” is the driving theme of Tchaikovsky’s astounding Fourth Symphony, whose emotional finale builds from darkness to light. “If you cannot discover reasons for happiness in yourself,” the composer wrote, “look at others... Look what a good time they have simply surrendering themselves to joy.” Augustin Hadelich, a musician of “scarcely believable commitment” (The New York Times), returns to perform Sibelius’s wildly challenging Violin Concerto; Music Director Ken-David Masur conducts.
The Music of John Williams
For over 60 years, legendary composer John Williams has been creating the musical landscapes for our favorite films, including E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Star Wars and more. The MSO and Resident Conductor Yaniv Dinur open the Pops season with an action-packed celebration of John Williams’ unforgettable Hollywood film scores.
Sounds of Spain
The sounds of Spain ripple through this lush program, which includes Falla’s musical impressions of three Spanish gardens, selections from Bizet’s opera about the untameable “Carmen," the folk melodies of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio espagnol” and Chabrier’s dancefilled “España.” An audience favorite, Ravel’s “Boléro,” closes these scintillating concerts
Flights of Fancy
This contemporary program explores choral music composed since the turn of the millennium. The concert’s pieces will make the imagination soar through works by some of today’s most popular choral composers, including Morten Lauridsen, Eriks Esenvalds, Jake Runestad, Eric Whitacre, and more. We will be joined for a portion of the program by the Chamber Singers of New Berlin West High School.
Season Premiere Featuring the Chamber Orchestra
MYSO kicks off its 2019-20 season with a performance by the acclaimed Chamber Orchestra.
MYSO’s 2019 Playathon
Following several weeks of student fundraising, the 1,000 members of MYSO, who make up three full orchestras, seven string orchestras, a wind ensemble, two flute choirs, numerous jazz combos and two steel pan bands, will perform during this FREE event. This is the organization’s only annual event that features every ensemble!
Masterworks with Orchestra featuring Lyric Chorale, Milwaukee Youth Chorale & Chant Claire Chamber Choir
Masur Conducts Beethoven
Music Director Ken-David Masur conducts this program bookended by Beethoven, opening with the composer’s First Symphony, whichmade an immediate splash and changed the symphony genre forever. Closing the program is Beethoven’s Second, a work of cheer and sunlight — surprising, considering that Beethoven was beginning to lament his loss of hearing. Schumann’s “Konzertstück” is a special treat, rarely performed and riddled with challenges for the entire horn section — Schumann was excited to compose for horns with valves, an innovation in his time.
Founders Concert
Showcasing MYSO’s internationally acclaimed flagship orchestra, the Senior Symphony, and will feature Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra violinist Yuka Kadota as guest soloist.
Fanfare and Serenade
Many sections of the orchestra are on display in this rich program taking place at the Basilica of St. Josaphat. Vaughn Williams celebrates the strings in his soaring Fantasia. An all-string orchestra stars alongside a vocalist in Britten’s song cycle “Les Illuminations." Brahms once declared that “it would be difficult to discover a finer, more refreshing impression of […] charming creative talent” than in Dvořák's Serenade for Wind Instruments. The brass steals the show from the very beginning of Tomasi’s bright and dynamic Fanfare.
@ The Center Series: Cabaret
The lights are low, the grand piano is in one corner and the Donald and Donna Baumgartner Studio Artists are center stage singing classic cabaret.
Season Opening All Choir Concert – A Child of Song
Featuring all of the ensembles of Milwaukee Children’s Choir in an afternoon.
Thanksgiving
Co-Artistic Director David Bloom takes on the annual Thanksgiving concert for a musical meditation centered on contemplating the dreams we collectively share. This year, the program will continue several longtime traditions such as the massive community friendship dance led by The Bucks Native American Singing & Drumming Group and angelic choral works reverberating throughout the immense Cathedral including a recent, seldom-performed work by Caroline Shaw titled "This Might Also Be a Form of Dreaming and Dreamily," a choral work inspired by Present Music’s 2018 Thanksgiving concert by Reagan High School Creation Project student, Lauren Barta.
Mozart’s Requiem
Considered to be one of the most sublime pieces of music ever written, Mozart’s staggering Requiem — which Haydn, Chopin and Beethoven requested for their funerals — contains the final notes Mozart ever composed. On the first half, Resident Conductor Yaniv Danur both conducts and performs Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20, a moody work which ends with a smile.
Honors Chamber Music Program Recital
Performances by participants in MYSO's Honors Chamber Music Program with Frank Almond.
Home Alone – Film with Live Orchestra
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features John Williams’s charming and delightful score, performed live by the MSO. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heartwarming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
Holiday Pops
Bring the whole family to Milwaukee’s musical holiday tradition! Tony-nominated Broadway soprano Rebecca Luker (Showboat, The Music Man, Mary Poppins) joins the MSO for Holiday Pops, a musical jubilee of your favorite carols, classics and sing-alongs, plus a handbell ensemble and other delights. This beloved event sells out every year!
Messiah Sing Along with Chamber Orchestra and Soloists
Bring your score or borrow one from MCC. It’s the First Annual Messiah Sing Along! Come to sing or come to listen!
Hamilton’s Leslie Odom, Jr.: A Holiday Special
Leslie Odom, Jr., best known as Broadway hit Hamilton’s original Aaron Burr, joins the MSO for a holiday concert with a jazz twist. In this special event, this Grammy- and Tony Award-winning vocalist brings his smooth signature style to holiday classics such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “First Noel” and “My Favorite Things.”
Christmas in the Basilica
Christmas in the Basilica, our most popular concert, has become a holiday tradition for thousands around the Milwaukee area. This year we will feature John Rutter’s Gloria and traditional Christmas carol arrangements by Michelle Hynson, Assistant Conductor and Accompanist, celebrating her 30th anniversary with Bel Canto Chorus.
@ The Center Series: Home for the Holidays,
The Donald and Donna Baumgartner Studio Artists provide a prelude to the holidays with a concert of winter tunes and carols, reminding audiences of the joys of this festive time of year.
Wintertide Concert Performed by the Milwaukee Youth Chorale
Featuring the MCC Preparatory Choir alongside a professional string quartet and harp. The performance includes treasured classics of Vivaldi’s Laudamus te from Gloria, Handel’s And the Glory of the Lord and Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, along with favorites Blake’s Walking in the Air from The Snowman and the Ukranian carol Carols of the Bells. MCC will even have a time for the audience to join in the singing with standard carols “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
Handel’s Messiah
The greatest story ever told. The most majestic music ever conceived. Handel’s "Messiah", with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Experience music’s most powerful message of faith. It’s the “Messiah” of the season!
Russian Festival: Joyce Yang Returns
Pianist Joyce Yang will call upon her “impressive agility, balance and velocity” (Washington Post) for Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto — originally considered too difficult to be played, this dazzling showstopper has become a centerpiece of piano repertoire. For Prokofiev’s devilish Third Symphony, the composer borrowed material from his own opera about a woman’s dark obsession with a “fiery angel.”
Symphonic Power
Featuring the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble.
Noble Vision
Showcasing its flagship orchestra, the Senior Symphony, the concert will also feature the Senior Symphony Brass Choir, a world premiere composed through the John Downey Creation Project and the Senior Symphony Concerto Competition Winner.
Progressions Winter Wonders
The students of the Progressions program will perform at this free concert.
Russian Festival: Johannes Moser Returns
Music Director Laureate Edo de Waart returns to conduct Rachmaninoff’s large and lush Second Symphony, a work of vast expression. The Second’s success also marked a personal triumph for Rachmaninoff, who suffered from writer’s block following the difficulty of his first symphony. Johannes Moser returns to perform Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto, a "deep meditation, reaching philosophical heights” (critic Lev Ginzburg).
Flute Fanfare
This concert will feature MYSO's two flute choirs, Flute Chorale and Chamber Flute Ensemble.
In the Avant-Garden of Love
Co-Artistic Director Eric Segnitz presents an edgy, post-modern, love-inspired chamber concert, featuring works by French singer/ songwriter/composer/visual artist, and Present Music’s guest artist, Sophie Dunér. In a special partnership with the silent film, The Love of Zero comes to musical life with live scoring composed by Eric Segnitz and premiered here in Milwaukee. Let your creative side go wild with a special couple’s upgrade option before the Valentine’s Day concert on February 14th, led by surprise local artists!
Ben Folds: One Night Only
Genre-bending singer-songwriter Ben Folds comes to Milwaukee to blend his chart-topping hits with the full power of the MSO. Listen for the best of Ben, including “Brick,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Luckiest” and a movement from his Billboard chart topping piano concerto.
Masur Conducts Mendelssohn
Mendelssohn’s “Italian” symphony was inspired by a tour from Milan to Naples, calling to mind sunny Roman landscapes. “This is Italy!" wrote Mendelssohn, “And now has begun what I have always thought to be the supreme joy in life.” Music Director Ken-David Masur also leads Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto which abounds with youth
and vigor, and was written as a showpiece for Beethoven himself. Orion Weiss, a pianist “with virtuosity to spare” (Washington Post),performs the Beethoven.
Symphonic Spectacular
Featuring the Prelude Orchestra, combined String Orchestras Central and North and Philharmonia.
Classic Cadences
The combined String Orchestras West and South, Sinfonia and Chamber Orchestra are featured.
Jazz Heritage Festival
Jazz combo performances by the young musicians in the Jazz Studies program, as well as clinics led by professional jazz musicians.
Beethoven’s Violin Concerto
Anthony Marwood, a violinist of “golden tone and surefire musicianship” (Washington Post), takes the stage to perform Beethoven’s revolutionary Violin Concerto, a technically demanding stunner that demonstrates the power and potential of both the instrument and the performer. The MSO welcomes rising star conductor Gemma New for these concerts which begin with audience favorites by Stravinsky and Ravel.
Beethoven's Fifth
“Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony,” announced author E.M. Forster, “is the most sublime noise that has ever penetrated into the ear of man.” Beethoven’s Fifth has spellbound audiences for over 200 years, from its opening bars (dum-dum-dum-DUM) to its knocking hand of Fate and through its momentous finale; Peter Oundjian conducts
this iconic masterpiece. The MSO’s own Principal Clarinet Todd Levy performs Leonard Bernstein’s first published composition, the “Sonata for Clarinet."
J.S. Bach's Mass in B Minor
Widely hailed since the 19th century as one of the greatest compositions in musical history, Bach’s Mass in B Minor, will come to life through the voices of Bel Canto. Bel Canto will be accompanied by members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and joined by spectacular guest soloists.
Aretha: Queen of Soul
The MSO pays loving tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in a program including some of the star’s greatest hits. Listen for “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” and more of the songs Aretha made famous. Dazzling vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw lend their voices to this musical celebration of an icon.
An Evening with Hamilton’s Renée Elise Goldsberry
Renée Elise Goldsberry took home a 2016 Tony Award for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in Broadway’s smash hit Hamilton. Now Renée makes her MSO debut in a glittering evening of Broadway hits from shows such as The Lion King and Rent, as well as American pop standards such as “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Brahms + Schumann
"If only you could breathe into your orchestra, when it plays, that longing for spring!” Schumann wrote to a conductor of his First Symphony, suggesting that the music feel like “the world turning green.” This program bursts with song, including three choral pieces written by Brahms and featuring the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus. The New York Times has called mezzo soprano Tamara Mumford “revelatory,” praising her “dusky depths” and “ringing heights.”
Revolution: The Beatles Symphonic Experience
The Beatles come to life in Revolution, a symphonic tribute to the Fab Four accompanied by a collection of rare photos, videos and animations displayed on the screen above the Orchestra. This magical musical and visual journey includes over 25 of the Beatles’ top hits, such as “Ticket to Ride,” Penny Lane,” “All You Need is Love, “Hey Jude” and more, all performed live by the MSO.
Fanfare and Finale
Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and Senior Symphony are showcased in the ensembles’ final performance of the season.
Beethoven’s Heroic Symphony
Beethoven experienced an on-again-off-again admiration for Napoleon Bonaparte, resulting in the composer famously ripping up the dedication page to his Third Symphony, initially named for Napoleon. Beethoven’s revised title “Eroica” (“Heroic”) suits this music; the Third is a grand symphony of tension, energy and triumph.
All Choir Concert – Families: Best Beloved
An afternoon exploring the relationships we hold dear at home and in our community.
Davidson Chamber Recitals
Presenting various performances from the Davidson Chamber Ensemble Program.
Beethoven + Bolcom’s Violin Concerto
“If any of Beethoven's contemporaries had written this symphony, it would be considered that composer's masterwork,” claims music scholar Robert Greenberg. While sometimes overshadowed by Beethoven’s other symphonies, the Fourth is a buoyant, witty example of Beethoven’s brilliance. Associate Conductor Yaniv Dinur leads the MSO in these concerts, which include a jazz-infused violin concerto by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom, performed here by the MSO’s own Ilana Setapen.
Rhythm and Blues
Performance features all Jazz Combos, including the elite Bronzeville Jazz Ensemble, plus Calypso and Soca steel bands.
A Flute Festival
The two flute choirs are highlighted in the ensembles’ final appearance of the season.
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi – Film with Live Orchestra
The MSO presents 1983’s Return of the Jedi, the third and final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy. Experience the complete movie — featuring Luke and Leia, Han Solo and Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, Jabba the Hutt and Darth Vader — as the Orchestra performs John Williams’s landmark score live-to-film.
Keep the Home Fires Burning
This concert surveys the music that accompanied and inspired the men and women who lived and fought during World War I. Bel Canto will perform music that sustained and consoled the troops as they lived and died in the trenches. The concert will culminate in a performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ epic plea for peace, Dona Nobis Pacem. Special guest and friend of Bel Canto Chorus, Mary Alice Tierney, will narrate the program.
String Serenade
The all-string ensembles Prelude Orchestra, String Orchestras South/ West and String Orchestras North/Central will be featured.
Symphonic Celebration
This performance will feature the Percussion Ensemble, Philharmonia and Chamber Orchestra.
Progressions May Melodies
The Progressions program presents its final performance of the 2019-20 season.
Pastoral Sounds
A visit to the countryside and a pleasant, babbling brook. A “merry gathering” of friends and neighbors. A sudden downpour and, finally,feelings of “thanks to the Deity.” This is the path Beethoven charts through his Sixth Symphony, titled Pastoral after its idyllic country setting; listen for birdsong, thunder and the call of the shepherds. Music Director Laureate Edo de Waart returns to conduct this icon. On the first half, MSO Principal Cello Susan Babini performs Elgar’s poignant Cello Concerto.
Spaghetti Western
Co-Artistic Director David Bloom brings the 2020 season to a close for a program of crosscurrents with music by Americans living in Italy, and Italians whose music has permeated US culture. The Spaghetti Western season finale features a range of modernized studies on the music of film legend Ennio Morricone, American folk legend Woody Guthrie and more. Also included on the program is David Bloom’s chamber ensemble arrangement of Milwaukee-native composer Yotam Haber’s "New Ghetto Music."
Beethoven’s Emperor
In the season’s final celebration of Beethoven’s 250th anniversary, the MSO performs the composer’s mighty Emperor piano concerto; expect military rhythms and explosive brilliance for the solo piano. Han-na Chang also conducts Bartók’s towering Concerto for Orchestra, which gives each section of instruments a chance to shine.
Season Finale – Everyone Sang
The MSO closes its season with one of the most legendary and beloved works for the instrument: Bruch’s Violin Concerto, performed here by Concertmaster Frank Almond. The program also invites the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for three choral gems: a sacred work by Dvořák, Vaughan Williams’ Whitman-inspired Toward the Unknown
Region and Everyone Sang by contemporary composer Helen Grime.
Blockbuster Scores – Music from TV & Film
A great soundtrack can create drama, sizzle, intrigue and romance. In this dynamic program, we explore the world of blockbuster movie and TV scores, from Back to the Future to Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, and beyond. Prepare to have your hair raised, your heart melted, and your spirits lifted by the power of music.