Concerts on the Square

Tonight I’m heading to the first of this year's Concerts on the Square with my friend Abby and her roommate, Chatti. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Concerts on the Square series is the ultimate Madison summer tradition. The concerts are held on the state capitol lawn at 7 p.m. on six consecutive Wednesdays during the summer. Over the course of the season, more than 120,000 people pack the lawn, covering the square in a sea of colorful blankets, to gather with friends and enjoy some of the most lavish picnic feasts I've ever seen. It’s true bliss listening to beautiful symphony music while enjoying cheese, bread, fruit and wine with your closest friends on a warm summer evening. The 24th annual season promises a diverse lineup packed with talented musicians.

Week 1: (3/27) Midsummer Rhapsody, featuring cellist Stephanie Smith
Week 2: (4/4) Stars and Stripes Forever, featuring vocal ensemble Stars and Stripes Forever
Week 3: (4/11) Russian Folktales, featuring Sergei Belkin on the accordion
Week 4: (4/18) Caribbean Beat, featuring Lana Wordel on the steel drum and Nora Frisk on her viola
Week 5: (4/25) Eye of the Storm, featuring oboist Naomi Bensdorf
Week 6: (8/1) Streets of Paris, featuring violinist Yulia Ziskel