“The soulful, passionate, melodically rich sounds of the great Russian masters will close our symphony season. Rimsky-Korsakov employs an explosion of orchestral color in his Russian Easter Overture. And then we turn to Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, an awe-inspiring set of piano variations on one of Paganini's Caprices for solo violin. Philippe Bianconi, who has become an MSO favorite, will bring his consummate technique and incredible musical integrity to bear in his interpretation of this work. After intermission, Metropolitan Opera bass-baritone Dean Peterson joins the glorious Madison Symphony Chorus for excerpts from Mussorgsky's magnificent opera, Boris Godunov, a portrayal of the stormy reign of a 16th-century czar. We will contrast the grand coronation theme, Boris' inner monologue and his death with other selections that are steeped in Russian folk tradition, bringing our season to a spectacular close."
- John DeMain

"Fred and I are proud to sponsor the Madison Symphony Orchestra. It is due to the quality of the orchestra and its nationally and internationally renowned conductor, Maestro John DeMain, that we are able to attract famous artists like Philippe Bianconi and Dean Peterson, as well as the great soloists that have appeared with the MSO."
- Rosemarie Blancke