February 28, 2025 — 7:30 PM
Capitol Theater
Madison, Wisconsin

Masterworks III

An enchanting collaboration with Madison Ballet takes the stage for our third Masterworks concert of the season. The evening opens with Dance Card: No. 5 by GRAMMY®-winning composer Jennifer Higdon. The Orchestra will then perform nine movements from a variety of compositions by Oliver Davis, as the stage comes alive with the WORLD PREMIERE choreography of Arcadia by Madison Ballet’s Artistic Director, Ja’ Malik—a continuation of our celebrated partnership. The second half features Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings, a lush and challenging work full of rich harmonies and timeless melodies.

BALLET CAST
Michaela King, Lauren Thompson, Dana Sheldon, Fernanda Yamaguchi, Eric Stith III, Ben Rose, Gabriel Aguilar

About Madison Ballet

The mission of Madison Ballet is to cultivate appreciation for and access to the art form of ballet. We inspire and train the next generation of dancers, artists, and professionals through performances by the Madison Ballet Company, education through the School of Madison Ballet, and outreach in partnership with local community organizations. The vision of Madison Ballet is to shape ballet into an inclusive art form, which represents the world we live in through diversity and inclusion both on and off stage. We commission works by female-identifying artists and artists of color, serving as one way to address systemic problems in dance that have led to a lack of diversity on stages locally and nationally. Learn more.

Madison Ballet Promo Image

Artistic Director Ja' Malik

Ja’ Malik, serving in his second year as Artistic Director and Executive Director of Madison Ballet. With a 25 year career as a performing artist dancing with Oakland Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, BalletX and Ballet Hispanico to name a few. An award winning evolving choreographer from Harlem, NY, who creates works based on real life experiences. Minding the gap between the elite perception of ballet and what he views as the reality of ballet for a modern world. Rooted in respect for the classical training while pushing the physically emotional aspect of dancer audience connection through the language of contemporary ballet movement. Having created works on such companies as Madison Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Festival Ballet Providence, Houston Contemporary Dance Company & American Repertory Ballet among others. His mission is to show the diversity, complexity and beauty of the world we live in through performances, education and outreach through Madison Ballet.

Get Closer to the Music

Check out our Spotify playlist to explore the repertoire of Davis & Dvořák to get a taste of what's to come!

Davis & Dvořák

Program

HIGDON | Dance Card: No. 5
V. Machina Rockus


OLIVER DAVIS | Selections:
I. Dance Epilogue
II. Arcadia
III. Airborne Dances I
IV. Liberty Movement I
V. Airborne Dances II
VI. Airborne Dances III
VII. Liberty Movement II
VIII. Airborne Dances IV
IX. Airborne Dances V

DVOŘÁK | Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22
I. Moderato
II. Tempo di Valse, Trio. Allegro con moto
III. Scherzo. Vivace
IV. Larghetto
V. Finale. Allegro vivace

RUN TIME: 1 HR 35 MINUTES
*program subject to change

Pre-Concert Sponsor

What to Expect

Pre-Concert Talk
Pre-Concert Talk

Join us to learn more from Music Director Andrew Sewell and our guest artist about tonight's program.
Doors: 6:00 PM
Talk: 6:30 - 7:00 PM
Promenade Hall, 2nd Floor
Overture Center

What to Wear
What to Wear

Come as you are!
Music is all about the senses, so we want you to be comfortable while you enjoy it. Most of our attendees wear anything from jeans to dressy clothes. Learn more about the concert experience.

Getting Here
Getting Here

Map, directions, and parking information to help you plan your evening.

Beverages
Beverages

Cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages are available within the Capitol Theater lobby. Beverages are allowed into the theater with you for the performance, but please keep your ice sloshing to a minimum.

Post-Concert Party
Post-Concert Party

Select Masterworks concerts have a party following the event. As an attendee, you'll receive advance notice.

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