First Unitarian Society has been a center for the arts in Madison for decades. Now, we are proud to offer a new concert series featuring FUS Artists-in-Residence Ancora String Quartet and Madison Bach Musicians, our annual harpsichord recital, FUS’s choirs, and more.
* Free admission for students, alumni, & staff of WYSO Music Makers. Just wear your WYSO-MM shirt to the event. Does not apply to the gala on February 14.
Ancora String Quartet
“The Italian Program”
Saturday, September 7 at 7:30p & Sunday, September 8 at 3p
Historic Landmark Auditorium
Antonio Bazzini: Quartet No. 1 in C Major
Giacomo Puccini: Chrysanthemums
Giuseppe Verdi: Quartet in E Minor
Tickets: At the door only. $15 general, $12 students, $6 children under age 12.
Madison Bach Musicians
“Telemann’s Tales: Quixote, Gulliver, and a Canary”
Saturday, October 5 at 8p (pre-concert lecture 7:15p)
Atrium Auditorium
A tribute to one of the most celebrated German composers of the 18th century. Admired by Bach, astonishingly prolific, and widely performed during the composer’s lifetime. MBM will present three of Telemann’s “story works”: his Suite for Two Violins is based on Gulliver’s Travels, and his Suite Burlesque was based on Don Quixote. Finally, guest artist bass-baritone Matthew Treviño will sing an amusing cantata about the demise of a favorite canary. The concert will also include the dramatic Sonata in F Minor; the elegant Sinfonia Spirituosa; and some fascinating Fantasy miniatures for solo harpsichord.
Tickets: Visit https://madisonbachmusicians.org/tickets/.
Choirs of FUS with Orchestra
“All Music Sunday”
Sunday, December 8 at 9a & 11a
Atrium Auditorium
A music-focused worship service featuring seasonal readings, music, and familiar carols.
Tickets: This is a non-ticketed event. A good-will offering will be taken with proceeds benefiting the FUS music program.
“A Valentine’s Jazz Soiree”
Friday, February 14 at dusk
Atrium Auditorium
Gala event featuring local jazz musicians. Dinner ticket price includes dinner, open wine & soft drink bar, dessert, and champagne. Each attendee will receive a rose. FUS always welcomes people of all ages, races, religions, gender/sexual identity, etc.
Tickets: With dinner: T.B.D. Without dinner: T.B.D.
Madison Bach Musicians
Feat. Dark Horse Consort, and ten vocal soloists. Andrew Megill, guest conductor.
“Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610”
Saturday, April 25 at 8p (pre-concert lecture 7:15p) & Sunday, April 26 at 3:30p (pre-concert lecture 2:45p)
Atrium Auditorium
A virtuosic masterpiece by an early genius of western art music that is astonishing, opulent, and inspiring. First grand then intimate; colorful then lean; ancient yet modern…quite simply, there is no other work quite like it. Hear this rarely performed gem of the choral-orchestral repertory in the wonderful acoustic of First Unitarian Society’s Atrium Auditorium. Andrew Megill will direct 15 renowned ancient instrument specialists and 10 internationally acclaimed vocal soloists hailing from throughout the country.
Tickets: Visit https://madisonbachmusicians.org/tickets/.
Bonus!: Join MBM and Artistic Director Trevor Stephenson on Friday, April 24 at 12p for a free preview lecture-recital during FUS’s weekly Friday Noon Musicale!
Jory Vinikour, harpsichord
“The Mark Rosa Annual Harpsichord Recital”
Sunday, May 17 at 3p
Historic Landmark Auditorium
The annual Mark Rosa Harpsichord Recital at First Unitarian Society seeks to provide visibility for one of the finest harpsichord replicas in the world, Mark Rosa’s 1979 recreation of Pascal Taskin’s 1769 “French double” harpsichord. Experience one of the outstanding harpsichordists of his generation. Vinikour is regularly featured as recitalist and concerto soloist in the world’s most revered festivals, concert halls, and opera houses. Generously sponsored by Sue Rosa.
Tickets: At the door only: $20/general admission ($12 seniors, students, veterans)
Ancora String Quartet
Saturday, May 23 at 7:30p
Historic Landmark Auditorium
Details to come.
Tickets: At the door only. $15 general, $12 students, $6 children under age 12.
FUS Choirs, guest singers, and orchestra
“The Road To Carnegie Hall”
Sunday, May 10 at 3p
Atrium Auditorium
The FUS Society Choir, Meeting House Chorus, Teen Choir, and Anybody Choir present Morten Lauridsen’s transporting Lux Aeterna in preparation for their New York tour to perform with the New England Symphonic Ensemble in Carnegie Hall. The program will be rounded out by shorter works by Mozart, Beethoven, and others.
Tickets: At the door.