Orchestral showcase: Respighi, Rossini, Strauss, May 9-10 with your MSO

For centuries, the magic of orchestral music has brought some of the most remarkable and fantastical stories to life — all without saying so much as a single word. With spring in the air, a sense of splendor, rejuvenation, and possibility will pervade Allen- Bradley Hall this May 9 – 10, 2025 as your hometown orchestra indulges in some of the most resplendent jewels of the symphonic literature. Legendary heroes, the majesty of nature, and ancient history find expression in the panoramic, richly layered soundscapes of a performance that shines a light on the virtuosity and expressive range of your Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

The program opens with one of the most iconic scores of the nineteenth century: Rossini’s overture to William Tell is a theatrical drama in miniature, replete with lush string choirs, pastoral Alpine tunes, and the rousing “March of the Swiss Soldiers,” that infamous finale sampled in everything from the golden era of animation to Hollywood. Richard Strauss’s playful tone poem, Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks, sets the legend of the medieval German folk hero to music — with more than a few instrumental magic tricks — following his capers across Western Europe as he exposes hypocrisy and subverts authority. Tania León’s Ácana employs a battery of percussion instruments to transport listeners to the forests of her native Cuba, radiantly depicted by the kaleidoscopic textures and shimmering coloristic effects that permeate her music. Finally, Respighi’s lofty Pines of Rome, his most enduringly popular composition, reaches through time to conjure up a vivid portrait of life in the imperial capital, the trees that mark the Italian landscape providing remarkably rich impressions of a bygone world.

Music Director Ken-David Masur, now in his sixth season at the helm of your Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, leads this dazzling program with his signature passion, charisma, and musical intelligence. Don’t miss the chance to savor the grandeur of an unforgettable performance — give yourself the gift of music and secure your tickets today at mso.org.

Pines of Rome Performance Dates:

Friday, May 9 at 11:15 a.m.
Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

Secure your seats today at mso.org or by contacting the MSO Box Office at 414-291-7605 or tickets@ mso.org. Regular office hours are Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m., and 90 minutes before all MSO performances.