This June, the Madison Symphony Orchestra is doing more than closing out its milestone season—it’s opening its doors wide to the entire community.
On June 13-14, the orchestra will host its Centennial Festival Weekend at the Overture Center, transforming the downtown space into a vibrant, multi-stage celebration of music, culture and connection. Plus, every performance is free!
The idea for the festival was born from the 100th Anniversary Steering Committee, made up of community members and staff whose goal was to create welcoming, culturally inclusive celebratory experiences for the anniversary season. That vision ultimately evolved into the Centennial Festival Weekend, a vibrant, multi-artist event designed to welcome audiences who may not have always felt represented in the concert hall.
Framed as a “community gift,” the weekend is designed as an open invitation to experience music of all types. Attendees are encouraged to come as they are, explore at their own pace and discover something new. With more than 50 artists performing across multiple stages, the festival blends classical music with jazz, blues, Latin, gospel and global sounds. Something for everyone.
Beyond the mainstage concerts, the Centennial Festival Weekend is packed with activities. Guests can move between rotating performances, hands-on art stations and lectures throughout the day. Saturday’s lineup includes a lecture by Maestro John DeMain, along with a talk by Eden Ehm, one of North America’s leading Hardanger fiddlers, and a Capital City Theatre lecture. Sunday features a lecture by MSO historian Michael Allsen, as well as community performances throughout the venue. Festivalgoers can also experience the Overture Concert Organ up close during a special organ concert on Saturday.
The weekend culminates in the free Festival Symphony concert, “For the Love of Music,” featuring classical favorites and a special appearance by Julian Rhee, a former Bolz Young Artist Competition winner with Wisconsin ties who has gone on to an international career. Between performances, attendees can also enjoy interactive offerings like origami, yoga, meditation and soundbath sessions.
“This Centennial Festival Weekend is our way of saying thank you to the community that has supported the Madison Symphony Orchestra for the past 100 years,” Madison Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Robert Reed said. “We wanted to create something that truly belongs to everyone. This is a big event in which people can come together, experience great music and feel a sense of connection. It’s a celebration not just of our history, but of all the people who make our work possible and the future we’re building together.”
For UMOJA readers, one of the most exciting aspects of the weekend is the strong presence of Black artists and performers woven throughout the lineup.
From the rhythm of Black Star Drumline to the blues-driven sound of Cash Box Kings, from the soulful collaboration of Timeless with Lord Yancyy and Leotha Stanley to the music of Danielle Crim and dancing of John Crim, the lineup reflects a broad stroke of artists. The Adem Tesfaye Band and Panchromatic Steel add even more fun, bringing sounds that mix local, regional and global influences.
That welcoming spirit extends to families, too. On Saturday morning, the orchestra invites families to a special Family Concert led by Associate Conductor Kyle Knox and narrated by longtime Madison broadcaster John Stofflet. Designed with all ages in mind, the concert offers an easy, engaging entry point into live orchestra music. Beyond the stage, families can explore hands-on activities throughout the day, such as instrument petting zoos and make-your-own instrument stations, and enjoy a performance by First Act Children’s Theatre.
The Centennial Festival Weekend is removing barriers like ticket cost and creating space for a broader range of artists and attendees; a continued commitment MSO has to accessibility and inclusion.
As Executive Director, Reed has also prioritized expanding who the symphony serves, both on stage and in the audience. The approach is evident in the festival’s mix of genres, cultures and performers.
The timing of the festival also carries special meaning as it marks the final chapter for DeMain, whose 32 years of leadership have shaped both the orchestra’s sound and its role in the community.
The event, however, isn’t a finale; rather, it’s a starting point for the next 100 years. Whether you’ve been to the symphony hundreds of times or never set foot inside the Overture Center, this weekend is designed for you. All are welcome to attend, celebrate and stay after the Sunday concert to toast the orchestra, John DeMain and what’s next.
To learn more about the Centennial Festival Weekend, scan the QR code.
