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Madison Symphony Orchestra will perform as scheduled

Chamber orchestra musicians' strike confuses some patrons

Lindsay Christians  —  10/15/2008 5:53 pm

Going to the symphony this weekend? Don't worry, the Madison Symphony Orchestra wants to make it clear that its shows will go on.

Ann Miller, marketing director at the symphony, said some of its patrons have been confused by the recent Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra strike. The chamber orchestra canceled its Oct. 24 Halloween concert, a popular annual family event.

Miller said she got several calls and e-mails this morning from people confused about this weekend's performances and whether they'll go on. They will.

Though some musicians play in both groups, the symphony and chamber orchestras are completely different entities, sharing no more than a rented performance space in Overture Center (Overture Hall and Capitol Theater, respectively). A symphony orchestra is typically larger in size than a chamber orchestra. The MSO has about 90 contracted players, while the chamber has only 34.

WCO musicians went on strike on Oct. 1. Though the two sides are close to resolution, WCO staff canceled the Halloween concert early this week to save money and time, as well as to prevent patron confusion and last-minute conflicts. The annual concert typically includes costumes, displays and spooky music.

Cellist Alban Gerhardt will perform Elgar's Cello Concerto at MSO performances Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Also on the program are Holst's "The Planets" and Copland's "An Outdoor Overture."

For more information, go to http://www.madisonsymphony.org/gerhardt.

Lindsay Christians  —  10/15/2008 5:53 pm