Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra

08/26/2026

Spend an evening with Patrice Rushen! This versatile artist and performer is known for such pop hits as “Forget Me Nots,” and “Remind Me” and is an NEA Jazz Master. This will be a rare concert performance of both contemporary jazz and hits formats. The three time Grammy-nominated pianist and composer is known for her electrifying performances and musical brilliance—an experience music lovers won’t want to miss.

We’re especially excited to welcome Patrice as our Artist in Residence, making this concert the beginning of a special connection with her throughout the season.

Join us Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 PM in Capitol Theater. Get your tickets today at bit.ly/3UWQhzu.

08/24/2026

Join our team!

We're currently searching for a Community Engagement & Education Associate to support our growing portfolio of youth education and community engagement programs across the greater Madison area. This position reports directly to the Community Engagement & Education Manager and will primarily focus on the day-to-day management and delivery of youth education programs (approximately 90% of the role), with additional support for community engagement activities (approximately 10%).

Learn more and submit your application today at wcoconcerts.org/careers

08/23/2026

Time for The Sunday Drop.

Sign up for our email club and get the latest Sunday From The Square email delivered straight to your inbox. This edition from CEO Joe Loehnis is a reflection on the end of our summer season and the work ahead.

Sign up here to receive our update emails from [email protected] Email Address First Name Last Name

08/19/2026

It's back, and tickets are available now! Join us on November 28 at 3:00 PM or 7:30 PM with Mr. Chair and members of Madison Youth Choirs for a festive celebration inspired by Vince Guaraldi Trio's beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Hear the iconic album performed live in its entirety with orchestral string arrangements that preserve the timeless jazz spirit of these holiday favorites and enjoy beloved seasonal classics that will have audiences of all ages embracing the magic of the season.

Get your tickets today at wcoconcerts.org/charliebrown

08/12/2026

We loved seeing so many families stop by the Kids' Area at Concerts on the Square this summer!

We know this season some kiddos may have missed the chance to earn a stamp on their WCO Kiddos Passport. If that's your family, we've got you covered. Click the link below to let us know which stamp was missed due to a cancelled concert, and we'll make sure your passport gets caught up.

bit.ly/459ZV3O

Questions? Contact [email protected]

08/10/2026

Single tickets for our 2026/27 season are on sale now! Get your tickets for our regular indoor season in Capitol Theater as well as your tickets to "A Charlie Brown Christmas with Strings" today.

Tickets: bit.ly/4wNdwue
Tickets to "A Charlie Brown Christmas with Strings": bit.ly/4yZ4oE1

08/03/2026

Our summer WYSO interns, Rae & Mundo, finished the last day of their internship with us last week and have been an absolute joy! They worked alongside staff in the office, and helped run the Kids' Area tent at Concerts on the Square. This is their reflection that they wanted to share with you, our valued community:

"As our summer with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting on everything this internship has meant to us.

From helping behind the scenes at Concerts on the Square to creating social media content, welcoming families, assisting our amazing crew and staff, and seeing each Wednesday come to life, every week brought new experiences and opportunities to learn.

This internship gave us a greater appreciation for everything that goes into making Concerts on the Square possible. We met so many wonderful people, learned from an incredible team, and had the chance to help share these special moments with the Madison community.

Thank you for an unforgettable summer, Madison. 💙☀🎶

- Your 2026 Concerts on the Square interns, Rae and Mundo."

07/30/2026

Every summer, thousands of people gather on the Square for an evening of music. When you're at our event, you may see a few people with fun colored WCO shirts that you may not know! Those special folks are our crew and volunteers.

They work alongside our staff to set up, solve problems, answer questions, lend a hand wherever it's needed, and do it all with generosity and care.

There simply wouldn't be Concerts on the Square without them. We are so grateful for every hour they give, every challenge they tackle, and every smile they share with our community.

Thank you for being such an important part of this tradition ☀🎶

07/27/2026

The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) has made the difficult decision to cancel this Wednesday's Concerts on the Square performance on July 29, 2026.

The decision comes as Madison continues to grieve following the fatal police shooting of Corey Durell Ruiz on July 22, 2026. In conversations with community stakeholders, it has become clear that this is a time for listening, reflection, and creating space for our community to process together.

“Our community is hurting,” says WCO CEO Joe Loehnis. “The Black community continues to grieve the loss of Corey Durell Ruiz, and we recognize the importance of honoring this moment with care and compassion. After listening to our community, we believe stepping back from this week’s performance is the right decision.”

“Concerts on the Square has always existed to bring people together,” says Music Director Andrew Sewell. “This week, we believe the most meaningful way we can serve our community is by making space for healing and for the important conversations that need to take place.”

To read the full announcement, click here: bit.ly/4fyaZhn

*If you were joining us this week with a table reservation, you will be receiving further communication. Thank you for your patience in advance.

07/23/2026

Yesterday, our community experienced profound grief following the fatal police shooting of Corey Durell Ruiz. A demonstration occurred that moved to the Capitol Square and onto the stage of Concerts on the Square. In support of the Black community and after it became clear that the concert could not continue safely, the WCO decided to cancel the performance.

The WCO joins Corey Durell Ruiz’s family, loved ones, and community members in mourning his death. We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.

"Our hearts are with everyone who is hurting today. We stand with the Black community and recognize the grief, anger, and uncertainty they are experiencing following this tragic loss of life. We also know that moments like this leave many people searching for answers, understanding, and a way forward. For more than 40 years, Concerts on the Square has been a place where our community comes together. While music alone cannot heal every wound, we believe it has the power to remind us of our shared humanity. We remain committed to being a community partner that listens, supports, and stands alongside the organizations whose work helps create opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and healing."
-Joe Loehnis, CEO

To read our full statement, please the link below.
https://wcoconcerts.org/concerts-on-the-square-cancellation