Chamber Orchestra Sphinx Virtuosi to Kick Off Wisconsin Union Theater’s 2021-22 Concert Series on Sept. 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 9, 2021

Contact Information:
Shauna Breneman, Communications Director
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu 
Phone: (608) 262-8862

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA SPHINX VIRTUOSI TO KICK OFF 2021-22 CONCERT SERIES ON SEPT. 30

MADISON – Critically acclaimed chamber orchestra Sphinx Virtuosi will perform on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Shannon Hall at Memorial Union as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s 2021-22 Concert Series.

In addition to marking the beginning of the Concert Series season, Sphinx Virtuosi will be the first classical music concert with an in-person audience held in Shannon Hall since March 2020.

Eighteen of the nation’s most renowned Black and Latinx classical musicians comprise this dynamic, self-conducted orchestra. The members of Sphinx Virtuosi not only dedicate themselves to perfecting rich musical compositions but also to prioritizing diversity in the arts. Since the group’s founding in 2004, it has worked to transform the lives of its audiences as well as the world of classical music by emphasizing the importance of representation in music. The ensemble will celebrate 25 years of music and making a difference in 2022.

The orchestra’s program “Tracing Visions” aims to challenge and adapt traditional interpretations of America’s history to create a richer, more honest story that highlights the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). “Tracing Visions” will include the following selections:

• Xavier Foley, “Ev’ry Voice”
• Florence Price, String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, arranged for Sphinx Virtuosi

II. Andante cantabile

• Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, “Four Novelletten”

I. Allegro moderato

III. Andante con moto

• Jessie Montgomery, “Banner” for String Quartet and String Orchestra
• Andrea Casarrubios, “Seven” (for Solo Cello)
• Ricardo Herz,“Inocente”and “Mourinho”
• Alberto Ginastera, Concerto for Strings, Op. 33

IV. Finale furioso

“For more than 20 years, the Sphinx Organization and its founder, Aaron Dworkin, have been addressing the underrepresentation of people of color in classical music and proving the value of diversity in the arts,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “We’re so fortunate to bring their chamber orchestra to Madison for the first time and to have them kick off our Concert Series.”

Sphinx Virtuosi moves audiences and critics alike, earning praise from publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post. On its annual tour, the group has performed to sold-out crowds at respected concert halls like Carnegie Hall in New York City and the New World Center in Miami.

Tickets for this event are available as part of a fall package or full subscription to the Concert Series performances or as single tickets for this performance only. Patrons can also purchase single tickets to attend a livestream of the event. Tickets for Sphinx Virtuosi are available here. Fall package and subscription sales end on Sept. 29.

Single tickets for most season events are also available for purchase, with the exception of single tickets for an April 30, 2022, concert with opera legend Renée Fleming, which are currently only available with a subscription purchase. Single tickets for Fleming’s performance will go on sale in early 2022, pending availability.

This season will mark the 102nd year of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s Concert Series, the longest running classical music concert series in the Midwest. The 2021-22 Concert Series aims to highlight both new and familiar musicians in a musical lineup that inspires audiences.

The Wisconsin Union team is dedicated to creating a safe environment for all patrons and team members and to upholding the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. The Union team thoroughly and regularly cleans and disinfects its spaces, including performance spaces. Patrons and team members are required to follow the current University of Wisconsin–Madison health and safety protocol of wearing a face covering when indoors on campus, unless actively eating or drinking. The Wisconsin Union Theater team will continue to monitor and follow university guidelines.

Click here for more information about the Sphinx Virtuosi performance.

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About the Wisconsin Union Theater

The Wisconsin Union Theater’s mission is to present, promote and cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts, especially among University of Wisconsin–Madison students. For more than 75 years, the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) has served as a center for cultural activity in the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Through a student-led committee, WUT presents an annual season of up to 40 events. Additionally, the Theater serves numerous renters on and off campus for graduations, lectures, conferences, and performances by university departments, registered student organizations, and community organizations. The Wisconsin Union Theater is committed to social justice and works to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive place for patrons, staff and performers.

Learn more: union.wisc.edu/wisconsin-union-theater.

[Click here to download a photo of Sphinx Virtuosi. Photo by Kevin Kennedy.]

To read this release online, visit here.

Joe Broadfoot Joins Oak Bank as Assistant Vice President of Business Banking

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, Fitchburg’s community bank since 2000, is proud to welcome Joe Broadfoot as Assistant Vice President of Business Banking.

Broadfoot comes with over eight years of financial expertise, with his first three years as a credit analyst. In his new role, Broadfoot will be a trusted advisor for Oak Bank’s business clients by diving deep to get a complete understanding of their industry and business needs to help them achieve their goals.  

“Joe is a critical thinker and enthusiastically searches for solutions when presented with a problem,” said Terry Taylor, President at Oak Bank. “He has extensive experience with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan guaranty programs and will provide us with the expertise and energy needed to tackle more challenging opportunities.”

“Oak Bank truly embodies the definition of community banking,” said Broadfoot. “I’m excited to join a team of individuals who not only provide financial expertise but also strive to connect with our clients locally.”

Broadfoot graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. He lives in Cottage Grove with his wife and two sons. Broadfoot likes to ride his bike, play golf, fish and forage for mushrooms in his free time. When he’s not outside, you will find Broadfoot cheering on the Packers. 

About Oak Bank

Oak Bank is celebrating 21 years of deep roots in the Fitchburg community and Madison areas. The community bank meets the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers and unique solutions, all while supporting over 100 local nonprofits each year. Visit oakbankonline.com to learn more.

Media Contact:

Karen Virnoche, 608.441.6000

kvirnoche@oakbankonline.com

WEA Trust and Health Tradition Health Plan Announce Vaughn Vance as New President and CEO

MADISON, WI – The WEA Trust Board today announced Vaughn Vance as the new Executive Director of the WEA Trust and President and CEO of WEA Insurance Corporation, Health Tradition Health Plan, Inc., and NeuGen, LLC. The announcement came as part of a planned transition.

Mr. Vance is currently Vice President and General Counsel. He joined the WEA Trust in 2005 as an External Affairs Specialist and has since served in several executive leadership roles.

“The WEA Trust was created over 50 years ago to provide quality health insurance and to deliver value to our members. Today, the WEA Trust, WEA Insurance Corporation, Health Tradition Health Plan Inc., and NeuGen, LLC all share that same commitment. I am honored to lead this organization as we look forward.  One of our top priorities as an organization will continue to be expanding our innovative plan offerings and growing our enrollment,” Vance stated.  “But our core values to our members, customers, and employees will not change,” continued Vance.

“In his numerous roles with the organization over nearly two decades, Vaughn Vance has always made our members his number one priority.”  said Mary Theisen, Chair of the Board of Trustees.  “On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, we are very excited that Vaughn has agreed to lead us into the next chapter of our story,” continued Theisen.

Vance concluded by stating, “Our members will continue to see our commitment to innovation, superior customer service, and high-quality products and services for those we serve.”

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 In 1970, the not-for-profit WEA Trust was founded by the Wisconsin Education Association Council. Over time the organization has expanded to include the WEA Insurance Corporation, Health Tradition Health Plan, Inc. and NeuGen, LLC.  Together these companies provide a diverse choice of PPO and HMO group health plans throughout Wisconsin.

Litigation Associate Jacob Simon Joins DeWitt LLP

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle M. Friedman                                                                                                                                    mmf@dewittllp.com / 262-754-2877

Litigation Associate Jacob Simon Joins DeWitt LLP

GREEN BAY | MADISON | MILWAUKEE | MINNEAPOLIS – Today DeWitt LLP announced Jacob Simon joined the firm as an associate in the Madison office.

Simon is a member of DeWitt’s Litigation Practice Group.  He has experience conducting research, drafting legal documents, and conducting discovery in state and federal courts.  He has authored multiple appellate briefs and a successful Petition for Review in Wisconsin.  While in law school, he was a judicial intern for Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. 

Simon earned a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a B.B.A. from Temple University.  Simon is admitted to practice in Wisconsin.  He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Claims Litigation Management and the Property and Liability Research Bureau. 

About DeWitt

DeWitt LLP was founded in 1903 and is one of the 10 largest law firms based in Wisconsin, with an additional presence in Minnesota. It has more than 130 attorneys practicing in Green Bay, Madison and Metropolitan Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has the experience to service clients of all scopes and sizes. The firm is known for its work in a variety of legal areas including intellectual property, patents, trademarks and copyright law, construction litigation, corporate law, employment, environmental, employee benefits, estate planning, family business, family law, government relations, health care, litigation, real estate, and tax law.  More information is available at dewittllp.com.

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Madison Ballet Presents Outdoor, In-person Performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2021

Madison Ballet Presents Outdoor, In-person Performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Madison, WI – Madison Ballet is thrilled to announce it will present four performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a free, outdoor production for in-person audiences. Performances will take place at Delafield’s SummerStage and at Madison’s Warner Park later this month.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

SummerStage – Delafield, WI

Friday, September 17 | 7:30pm

Saturday, September 18 | 7:30pm

Warner Park – Madison, WI

Wednesday, September 22 | 7:30pm

Thursday, September 23 | 7:30pm

Over 18 months have passed since the Madison Ballet has performed on stage. “After everything our dancers, audiences, and communities have been through, being able to bring this production to the stage is a true triumph of the creative spirit,” says Artistic Director Sara Stewart Schumann. “There’s nothing as rewarding as dancing for a live audience. It’s what our dancers train and prepare for, and it’s what they live for.”

Madison Ballet’s production of Midsummer was set to take the stage in March 2020 before its pandemic-forced closure. “As a dancer, it means the world to get back on stage,” says principal dancer and Ballet Master Shannon Quirk. “As artists, we now have a different appreciation for this work after such a long hiatus. There’s just genuine excitement to get to do what I love again, and share it with the community.”

Midsummer tells the story of four star-crossed lovers who find magic and folly in an enchanted forest home to mischievous fairies and sprites. “The outdoor setting is an ideal backdrop for this magical story,” says Schumann. “These shows will create an immersive experience for our guests while allowing the dancers to draw from the energy of a live audience. This unique combination will surely make for a memorable performance for everyone involved.”

“We at Madison Ballet are always looking for ways to break down barriers and increase access to dance. After all this time away, we are so grateful to invite our whole community to share in this celebration free of charge,” says Jonathan Solari, CEO.

While this performance is free, making online reservations is recommended. To register, visit madisonballet.org/midsummer. SummerStage is located in Lapham Peak Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest, with $5 parking per vehicle or free parking with a State Park sticker. Free parking is available at Warner Park. In the case of inclement weather, Madison Ballet has reserved SummerStage on September 19th and Warner Park on September 24th for rainchecks.

For 40 years, Madison Ballet has been an integral part of the vibrant Dane County arts community. Full-scale productions of inspiring traditional ballets, innovative contemporary performances, and the timeless holiday tradition of “The Nutcracker” reach more than 13,000 people each year. The School of Madison Ballet empowers students of all ages and skill levels with the poise, confidence, discipline, and fundamental life skills intrinsic to the study of dance. Outreach programming, presented in partnership with dozens of local school and community groups, enriches thousands of young people’s lives by introducing them to the joy of dance.

Contact: Lexi Janssen, Marketing Manager

Phone: (262) 402-2358

Email: lexi@madisonballet.org

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