MADISON – The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) stands behind Overture Center’s announcement today to suspend performances and in-person programs through the end of November. Since COVID-19 caused the WCO and other arts organizations to cancel performances, the WCO leadership team has met regularly with the leadership at Overture and its nine other resident companies.

The arts groups have been in weekly discussions centered around taking care of patrons, supporters and artists, aligning efforts needed to successfully wind down the current season’s productions, and planning for the fall of 2020 and beyond. The conversations and activities have strengthened the alignment of these arts groups to continue to find ways to provide life-enriching experiences through art now and in the months ahead.

The WCO has re-calibrated the summer Concerts on the Square summer series. The plan for Concerts on the Square looks like this:

  • The first four concerts (July 28 – Aug 18) have been postponed into summer of 2021.
  • The WCO, in partnership with the Madison Mallards, will host two ‘drive-in’ concerts on June 24 and July 22. Each concert also will be live-streamed on wcoconcerts.org and PBSWisconsin.org for free.
  • The final two Concerts on the Square will be live at Breese Stevens field on Aug. 25 and Sept. 1.
  • The WCO’s annual run-out concert to Portage this summer has been canceled.

Looking ahead to the fall of 2020, the WCO plans look like this:

  • The October Family Series event scheduled at the Goodman Community Center may be postponed or moved to an outdoor venue.
  • The Nov. 20 opening for WCO’s Masterworks concert featuring John O’Conor will move to April of 2022. The WCO is exploring alternative programs to be performed at Overture or other offsite venues and live-streamed for viewing.
  • Postpone the December Messiah performance until December 2021
  • The annual performance of Madison Ballet’s The Nutcracker will not be held at Overture Center this year. Potential collaborations and alternative performances in December are to be determined.
  • As circumstances change, announcements regarding the spring 2021 schedule will be determined at a later date.

The WCO continues to remain committed to serving you and keeping you safe during the current health crisis. Given the Overture Center’s fall closing, here are options for our patrons who have purchased tickets to Masterworks I, Messiah and The Nutcracker:

  • Exchange your ticket(s) for a future Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra performance. All exchange fees will be waived in this situation. You can wait until John O'Conor returns in April 2022 or exchange your ticket for our Masterworks VI performance of Yolanda Kondonassis. Messiah ticket holders can exchange your 2020 tickets for the 2021 Messiah performance.
  • Donate your ticket(s) and receive a tax deduction for the total ticket value.
  • Receive a refund for the value of the ticket(s).

Please respond by email, letting us know your ticket decision, along with your full name, to [email protected].

Press Contacts

Audra Lange, Director of Marketing
608.257.0638 ext. 106
[email protected]