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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.
Photo by Richard Hurd
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
Friday, September 17 | 7:30pm
Saturday, September 18 | 7:30pm
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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Photo by Richard Hurd
National Guardian Life Insurance Company Sponsors the 2021 Conference of African American Financial Professionals
National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) was a Platinum Sponsor of the 15th Annual Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP). Hosted by The American College of Financial Services, the virtual conference was held August 10-11 and is the largest gathering of African American financial professionals that provides an opportunity for education, networking, and engagement.
“NGL is committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion not only on a local and employee level, but also through our efforts in the community and in the financial services and insurance industries. The wealth gap is real and we need to work together toward creating a solution. At NGL, we are proud to be an ally to advance and foster change in the industry and Black communities across the U.S.,” said Knut Olson, NGL President & CEO and member of The American College of Financial Services Board of Trustees.
This year the conference focused on Four Steps Forward – Investing in Our Community, a plan from The College’s Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality to foster upward mobility and wealth-building in America. The goal is to support Black financial professionals, leadership programs and close the racial wealth gap.
Click here to learn more about the virtual CAAFP.
About NGL
Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.
National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.
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PRCAAFP92021
Photo by Richard Hurd
Eppstein Uhen Architects: Stakeholder Engagement
From community engagement and communications, EUA is the market leader in delivering comprehensive pre-design services. We tailor our services to meet each client’s unique set of circumstances. EUA’s understanding and anticipation of client needs ensures that clients are meeting expectations to inform, engage and respond to broad community interests throughout the pre-design and project planning phases.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Core Spaces: Introducing ōLiv Madison
The ōLiv Madison mixed-use proposal, located at the intersection of W Gorham Street and State Street, is uniquely designed to enrich the community by creating new rental housing supply in a transit-friendly, walkable downtown
setting.