In 2008-2009, the Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates fifteen years under the dynamic artistic leadership of Music Director John DeMain with a Signature Season. After 83 years in the community, the orchestra has grown to be one America's leading regional orchestras. DeMain, hailed as a "gifted orchestra builder" by the New York Times continues to expand the orchestra's programming with performances of some of the most challenging works in the repertoire.

As the resident Orchestra of Overture Hall, the MSO continues to attract record-breaking audiences and outstanding guest artists of international distinction in an expanded season of 27 subscription concerts.

A rich and entertaining Special Events Schedule continues throughout the year, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the beauty of music. From Parties of Note to Concert on the Green, there's something for everyone.

The MSO believes that great music is for everyone. Our nationally recognized Education and Community Engagement Initiatives reach into Dane County classrooms and beyond to bring the transformative power of music to more than 31,000 children and adults each year.

Founded in 1925, has grown from a small community ensemble into one of the leading regional orchestras in America. It is the only full-sized professional symphony orchestra in south-central Wisconsin. Read more history.

Hailed as "a gifted orchestra builder" by the New York Times, John DeMain enters his 15th season with the MSO in 2008-2009. He continues to expand the orchestra's programming and reach out in new artistic directions. With the continuous improvement in quality, the MSO is attracting record-breaking numbers of season ticket holders and outstanding guest artists of international distinction.

The MSO has issued three critically acclaimed recordings on the ION label, including a "best of" release, a holiday disc, and a recording of solo organ works on the Overture Concert Organ.

The MSO is proud to be the resident orchestra of Overture Hall, a state-of-the art performance home that opened to critical and audience acclaim in September 2004. The MSO is the owner and steward of the Overture Concert Organ. With 4,040 pipes and a one-of-a-kind moveable installation, the instrument is among the most significant concert organs in the country.

The mission of the Madison Symphony Orchestra is to produce high-quality concerts of instrumental, vocal and choral music; to educate and entertain audience members of all ages in the Madison area and beyond; and to advocate music as a universal language of human expression and understanding.

The MSO is also proud to provide educational programming for more than 31,000 children and adults annually in Dane County, including the nationally recognized Up Close & Musical and HeartStrings programs, age-specific Youth Concerts, statewide Youth Concerto Competitions, Magic of Music Luncheons, guest artist outreach events and Prelude Discussions. Read more about education.