Celebrate the mixed tapestry of 20th-century American music with a stunning concert featuring works by Gershwin, Bernstein, and John Carter woven alongside the rich contributions of Black composers: Quenton Blache, Regina Harris Baiocchi, Nkeiru Okoye, Omar Thomas, and James Lee III. This program shines with the brilliance of Met Opera star and internationally acclaimed soprano Angela Brown, whose powerful voice and artistry bring these timeless pieces to life.
Reserving a table at Concerts on the Square® is the perfect way to entertain clients, have fun with family and friends, show new Madison residents what our community has to offer, and support a Madison Summer tradition. Tables are available on a first come first serve basis so make sure to get yours fast!
Reserve Your 2025 TableOn concert days, blankets can be put down on the lawn unattended starting at 3 PM. The street will open at 5 PM and the concert begins at 7 PM. Attendees are invited to sample the many food vendors at Concerts on the Square each week. A full list of vendors is coming soon. For more information please visit our frequently asked questions page.
The decision to continue or cancel a concert due to weather conditions will be made at 3 PM on concert days. The official announcement will be made on wcoconcerts.org and on the WCO’s Facebook and Instagram pages. An email will also be sent to WCO subscribers. If the concert is postponed at that time, it will be held the following day at 7 PM. If the concert is not postponed by 3 PM but is subsequently canceled due to poor weather conditions, that week’s concert will not be held or may be cut short.
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Angela Brown has graced the leading opera and symphonic stages on six continents including Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, National Opera of Paris, Vienna State Opera, Capetown (South Africa) Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, Bilbao Opera, and more. She has been presented in solo recital throughout the United States, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, China, and Africa. She is a featured artist on the two-time GRAMMY® award-winning recording Ask Your Mama and is the original voice of the contemporary opera roles of Addie Parker (Charlie Parker’s Yardbird) and Cilla (Margaret Garner). Her repertoire includes the time-honored roles of Tosca, Aida, Amelia (Un ballo in Maschera), Elisabetta (Don Carlo), and Leonora (Il Trovatore). Read Angela's full bio here.
Check out these Spotify playlists to explore the repertoire of American Song to get a taste of what's to come!
Quenton Blache | Habari Gani for Orchestra
Regina Harris Baiocchi | Muse for Orchestra
John Carter | Peter, go ring dem bells from Cantata
Nkeiru Okoye | You Gave Me a Baby Girl from When the Caged Bird Sings
Gershwin | Summertime from Porgy and Bess
Omar Thomas | Of Our New Day Begun
James Lee III | Emotive Transformations
Bernstein | Fancy Free: Three Dance Variations
*All programs subject to change
Don't forget to catch PBS Wisconsin's broadcast of American Song on Monday, July 28 at 8 PM with an encore broadcast on Thursday, July 31 at 10 PM!
