As we celebrate the close of our 40th season, join us on August 2nd for a unique lineup. While the last concert of the season is always bittersweet, this evening will feature works from Handel to Alexander Desplat, and John Williams. We will hear Rodrigo’s famous guitar concerto, Concerto de Aranjuez, in this special transcription for Harp and Orchestra by returning guest artist, and Juilliard-trained, Bridget Kibbey. The second half opens with a new ballet choreographed by Madison Ballet Artistic Director Ja’ Malik with music by Oliver Davis Dance Odyssey. The concert closes with toe tapping film score favorites including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars, and Little Women. Don’t miss your last chance to be with us on the Square and experience a full evening of all things we love about this 40-year Madison tradition.
Guest soloist: Bridget Kibbey, harp
full program
Called the "Yo-Yo Ma of the harp," by Vogue’s Senior Editor Corey Seymour, harpist Bridget Kibbey “…makes it seems as though he instrument had been waiting all its life to explode with the energetic figures and gorgeous colors she was getting from it [The New York Times].” With the harp as her muse, Kibbey is in demand for her virtuosic and soulful performances —excavating centuries of music as a soloist and alongside today’s top performing artists — from the French Belle Époque, to the Baroque, to Persian Modes, to Latin Jazz traditions and beyond.
Kibbey appears as soloist with orchestras across the globe, traverses chamber music series across the United States, and enjoys creating and MC’ing her own projects, illuminating historical narratives from stage. From the nation’s top concert halls to night clubs, Kibbey is illuminating the powerful expressive range of the harp by placing it center stage. Learn more.
Previous to joining Madison Ballet, Ja' Malik built a career of executing commissions from nationally-renowned dance companies and advocating for representation of Black artists. He founded and has served as Executive Director of New York City's Ballet Boy Productions, whose mission is to create pathways for young Black men to thrive in a career in dance. Learn more.
As the resident ballet company of the Overture Center for the Arts and Wisconsin’s second largest dance organization, we bring world-class ballet to the greater Madison area. We are training the next generation of world-class dancers and inspiring all generations of audiences. We create opportunities to experience the power of dance, on and off the stage, for all ages, genders and races. We pioneer change within our community. We don't just lift the curtain. We exist to work towards eliminating the boundary completely.
HANDEL | Music for the Royal Fireworks, Overture and La Réjouissance
RODRIGO | Concierto de Aranjuez arranged for Harp and Orchestra
DAVIS | Dance Odyssey
DESPLAT | “Father Comes Home” from the Major Motion Picture Little Women
WILLIAMS | Hymn to New England
WILLIAMS | Selections from Star Wars
*program subject to change
Meester Family Foundation
