Beverly Taylor
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Capital times

12/14/2019

 

Madison Symphony orchestra & chorus

Heavenly harp and holy nights fill the hall at the 2019 Madison Symphony Christmas
by Lindsay Christians
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The Madison Symphony Christmas concert — once known as the Christmas Spectacular, held on the first weekend in December in non-“Hamilton” years — is all about tradition.

Maestro John DeMain plans his MSO seasons to be a deliberate blend of the familiar and the new. This series of three concerts in Overture Hall, playing again Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, sways toward nostalgia. There are goofy jokes and gospel carols, and violas in reindeer-antler headbands.

It’s fine if you don’t bring a Santa hat. It’s more fun if you do.


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Wisconsin gazette

5/11/2017

 

Madison symphony orchestra & chorus

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Brahms ‘Requiem’ ends Madison Symphony season on a high note
MSO was joined by the Madison Symphony Chorus under the direction of Beverly Taylor. The integration of voices and instruments was without peer.
by Michael Muckian
PictureOrganist Nathan Laube
The Madison Symphony Orchestra learned long ago to cap its annual concert series with a major choral work, one that brings a lot of musicians and voices together on stage for a rousing seasonal finale. This year’s choice was Johannes Brahms’ A German Requiem, Op. 45 that struck one of the highest notes of what had been a stellar year for the orchestra at Overture Hall this past weekend.


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Madison Magazine

12/8/2014

 
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A "Madison Symphony Christmas": Ho-Ho-Home for the Holidays
by Greg Hettmansberger
PictureTenor Harold Meers
Friday night marked the fifth year yours truly has attended the Madison Symphony’s Christmas concert … more than long enough to know that the response is less review and more an affirmation that it remains an event that makes Madison feel like home at Christmas than any other event. In fact, John DeMain’s always-admirable blend of traditional treats and savory surprises has come to seem a little like coming back home itself: There is the extended “family” of the MSO, Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs, Mt. Zion Gospel Choir, Uncle Sam (Samuel Hutchinson) at the organ, a couple of special guests and more than two thousand eager and delighted “kids” in the audience, anxious to see what our musical Santa will share with us this year.

Some things (happily) never change, and one knows that the first half will close with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” But for those who wanted more Handel and earlier, the wait wasn’t long. Following an explosive “Joy to the World” from orchestra and the MSO Chorus and Madison Youth Choirs, tenor Harold Meers took the stage for a dignified and powerful “Comfort Ye My People” and “Every Valley Shall Be Exalted.” His strong and unforced vocalism was balanced by an energetic “And the Glory of the Lord” from the MSO Chorus.


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Madison Magazine

4/6/2013

 
Madison Symphony Closes Season with Surprises Galore

By Greg Hettmansberger
April 6, 2013

Even before the Madison Symphony closed its 2012–13 season, attention had shifted to the celebration of John DeMain’s impending launch of his twentieth season with the orchestra next fall (along with the same round number as music director of Madison Opera). But Friday night in Overture Hall, DeMain and his ensemble—and the Madison Symphony Chorus, three vocal soloists and the venue’s magnificent organ—managed to bring our focus back to the musical business at hand. And for good measure, we were given concertmaster Naha Greenholtz in the role of soloist in a favorite concerto.

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