Thirtieth Anniversary Season
August 24 ‐ September 1, 2019
Madison Celebrates John Harbison
February 2019
On the occasion of his 80th birthday, Madison honors composer John Harbison & expresses gratitude for his contributions to the cultural life of our community, including the Token Creek Chamber Music Festival, co-directed by John & Rose Mary Harbison for the last 30 years.
Click here for more info!
February 1-28
Exhibit: John Harbison & His Music
Memorial Library, UW-Madison – Main Lobby
This exhibit celebrates Pulitzer Prize winner and MacArthur Fellow John Harbison’s amazing – and ongoing – musical career, with a focus on his Madison connection, including works composed and premiered here, his new book on Bach, and the Token Creek Chamber Music Festival which he co-directs with Rose Mary Harbison held at the end of each summer in the refurbished barn on family property just outside the city.
February 1-28
Broadcast Retrospective: The Music of John Harbison
Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) and WORT Community Radio offer broadcast retrospectives throughout the month of February, showcasing the breadth of Harbison’s work, from large symphonic to intimate chamber and vocal music, and jazz. This schedule will be updated frequently, as hosts determine their programming. Check back often for schedule details.
Wisconsin Public Radio: www.wpr.org
Wisconsin Public Radio: www.wpr.org
February 1 • 7:30 pm
Imani Winds: Wind Quintet
Wisconsin Union Theater
Harbison’s Wind Quintet, a work of abundant imagination, is considered one of the modern masterpieces in the genre. One of his best known and most-often played works, Harbison here “unleashes the fullpower of the woodwind quintet.”
February 15 • 12:15 pm
Noon Musicale: Chamber Music of John Harbison
First Unitarian Society
Performances by Mead Witter School of Music Faculty & Friends, including a preview of the upcoming Viola Sonata that receives its world premiere on February 17. Harbison will read from his new book, What Do We Make of Bach?, and will autograph copies (books will be available for purchase).
Feb 15 • 7:30 pm / Feb 16 • 8:00 pm / Feb 17 • 2:30 pm
Madison Symphony Orchestra: The Most Often Used Chords
Overture Hall
Considered one of Harbison’s most engaging orchestral works, his sparkling The Most Often Used Chords was inspired by the “fundamentals of music” pages found on the covers of Italian music notebooks. An ingenious piece of spirited wit and generous humor, it is also a touching personal tribute to the raw materials of music. Enjoy a pre-concert conversation with the composer one hour before the concert begins.
February 17 • 9:00 & 11:00 am
Music for Sunday Worship
First Unitarian Society
Harbison conducts the Society Choir in his own choral settings of Emily Dickinson.
February 17 • 7:30 pm
World Premiere: Viola Sonata
Mills Hall, Mead Witter School of Music
Generously funded by a secret admirer in honor of Harbison’s 80th birthday, the Viola Sonata receives its world premiere performance by lead commissioner Sally Chisholm, viola and Timothy Lovelace, piano. The Pro Arte Quartet offers chamber works of Harbison and Haydn, one of the composers Harbison most admires.
February 18, 2019 • Time TBA
Mead Witter School of Music: Composer Residency
Mead Witter School of Music
Lecture & composition masterclass.
February 22 • 12:15 pm
Noon Musicale
First Unitarian Society
Mosaic Chamber Players – with guest artists John Harbison, piano and Rose Mary Harbison, violin – offer chamber works of Harbison, Mozart, and Schoenberg.
February 24 • 9:00 & 11:00 am
Music for Sunday Worship
First Unitarian Society
Music of Bach, performed by John & Rose Mary Harbison
Date TBA
Madison Choral Project: Harbison’s A Capella Vocal Music
First Unitarian Society
Harbison’s vocal music, a rarity in Madison, together with companion works of Bach and Schütz, and the world premiere of a new motet.
All events subject to change. To receive John Harbison’s newsletter, email: arsnova.artsmanagement@gmail.com