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Arts
SPRING
GUIDE
P RE SE N T E D BY M I LWAU K E E SYM P H O N Y O RC H E ST R A
IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Dear Readers,
The new year is in full swing, and so is the arts scene here in Milwaukee. Theaters are alive with acclaimed favorites and sold-out performances, and local exhibitions offer moments of reflection, connection and discovery. At the Bradley Symphony Center, a landmark season is underway, celebrating both the 50th anniversary of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra music director Ken-David Masur, whose final season is marked by some of the most dynamic and imaginative programming of his tenure. The MSO’s spring lineup features everything from sultry jazz to choral masterworks and top-notch fan favorites of orchestral music. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion fills Allen-Bradley Hall with song (March 20-21), and Byron Stripling kicks things into high gear for America the Beautiful: Patriotic Pops (May 22-24). The orchestra pulls out all the stops for its final concerts of the season, including the spine-tingling thrills of Stravinsky’s Firebird (May 29-30), before concluding with Beethoven’s Missa solemnis (June 13-14), giving the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus – and Masur, leading his final concerts – their moment in the sun. Don’t miss a single note: Secure your tickets today at mso.org or by calling the box office at 414-291-7605.
SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE!
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Sincerely,
F E BRUARY 2 0 26 | 18
SPONSORED BY
C A L E N DA R
McNeal Milwaukee Rep FEB. 10-MARCH 22 milwaukeerep.com
Peter Pan and Wendy First Stage FEB. 20-MARCH 22 firststage.org
Swing State Next Act Theatre FEB. 11-MARCH 8 nextact.org
Momentum Milwaukee Ballet FEB. 21-22, FEB. 28-MARCH 1 milwaukeeballet.org
Avant-Garden of Love (2nd Edition) Present Music FEB. 13-14 presentmusic.org POPS
A Simply Swingin’ Valentine FEB. 13, 7:30 P.M. FEB. 14, 7:30 P.M. FEB. 15, 2:30 P.M.
Bradley Symphony Center
Amadeus Skylight Music Theatre THROUGH FEB. 8 skylightmusictheatre.org Encore Milwaukee Ballet THROUGH FEB. 8 milwaukeeballet.org I Am My Own Wife Milwaukee Chamber Theatre THROUGH FEB. 8 milwaukeechambertheatre.org Chroma: Color and Abstraction Tory Folliard Gallery THROUGH FEB. 14 toryfolliard.com Lovabye Dragon First Stage THROUGH FEB. 15 firststage.org The Fisherman’s Daughters Milwaukee Rep THROUGH MARCH 1 milwaukeerep.com
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CLASSICS
Zeitouni Conducts Mozart JAN. 31, 7:30 P.M. FEB. 1, 2:30 P.M.
Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor Stephen Hough, piano Guest conductor Jean-Marie Zeitouni guides this dance across central and eastern Europe. Hear the spirit of Ligeti’s Romania, Kodály’s love for Hungary, and Mozart’s musical postcard from Prague. CLASSICS
Saint-Saëns ‘Organ’ Symphony FEB. 6, 11:15 A.M. FEB. 7, 7:30 P.M.
Ken-David Masur, conductor Paul Jacobs, organ Witness the musicianship of the first and only organist to win a Grammy Award as Paul Jacobs performs Saint-Saëns’ “Organ” symphony, a work so expressive the composer claimed, “I have given all that I had to give.”
Ryan Tani, conductor Steve Lippia, vocalist Cozy up with the one you love this Valentine’s Day and enjoy the jazzy orchestral sounds of love and romance live on stage with vocalist Steve Lippia and your MSO. Featuring the sultry songs made popular by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and more. CLASSICS
Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty FEB. 20, 11:15 A.M. FEB. 21, 7:30 P.M.
Alpesh Chauhan, conductor Johannes Moser, cello Undoubtedly one of the finest cellists performing today, Johannes Moser plays composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s Before We Fall, fresh off its world premiere with the San Francisco Symphony. Alpesh Chauhan leads this energetic new work, as well as romantic selections from Tchaikovsky’s iconic Sleeping Beauty.
August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson Milwaukee Rep FEB. 24-MARCH 22 milwaukeerep.com CLASSICS
Joyce Yang Plays Tchaikovsky FEB. 27, 7:30 P.M. FEB. 28, 7:30 P.M. MARCH 1, 2:30 P.M.
Ryan Tani, conductor Joyce Yang, piano Virtuoso Joyce Yang returns to Allen-Bradley Hall with her “agility, balance and velocity” (The Washington Post) on full display with Tchaikovsky’s first piano concerto.
The Spitfire Grill Skylight Music Theatre FEB. 27-MARCH 15 skylightmusictheatre.org CLASSICS
Hadelich & Brahms MARCH 6, 11:15 A.M. MARCH 7, 7:30 P.M.
Ken-David Masur, conductor Augustin Hadelich, violin Hailed as one of the greatest violinists of our time, Augustin Hadelich returns to the MSO to perform Mendelssohn’s soulful violin concerto. Music Director Ken-David Masur conducts Brahms’ third symphony, a nostalgic work with a recurring musical theme Clara Schumann described as “free but happy.”
IMAGE: COURTESY OF THE MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Spring
AMPLIFYING ARTS & CULTURE IN MILWAUKEE
SCAN FOR MORE!
FEB 5
STOMP
FEB 14
On A Winter’s Night
FEB 26
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: The Great American Crooners
FEB 27
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
FEB 28
Clue: The Movie Hosted by Lesley Ann Warren
MAR 3
BODYTRAFFIC
MAR 18
New Jazz Underground
APR 10
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
APR 21
ARTEMIS
MAY 14
JOHNSON FINANCIAL GROUP BROADWAY AT THE MARCUS CENTER Kimberly Akimbo HADESTOWN The Wiz
FEB 17-22 MAR 6-7 MAR 24-29
Watch for 2026/27 Broadway Season Announcement in March!
Element Everest-Blanks MPAC Amplifier in Residence and Unity Award Winner! #MarcusCentersYou
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s James Gilmer and Samantha Figgins. Photo by Andrew Eccles
MPAC
MPAC PRESENTS DRUMLine Live
ALL SHOWS ON SALE NOW BUY EARLY FOR BEST AVAILABILITY MARCUSCENTER.ORG • 414.273.7206 • GROUPS OF 10+ SAVE! 414.273.7207 EXT. 1
Time Is Running Out Faythe Levine
through March 14, 2026 Artist, curator, and researcher Faythe Levine illuminates the collective lives of Charlotte Partridge (1882-1975) and Miriam Frink (1892-1977), two women who shaped Milwaukee’s cultural landscape in the twentieth century. Lynden is open every day except Thursday, 10 am- 5 pm. Admission is free.
2145 W BROWN DEER RD. 414.446.8794 lyndensculpturegarden.org F E BRUARY 2 0 26 | 20
SPONSORED BY
Sonorous Silence Bel Canto MARCH 8 belcanto.org Genesis Milwaukee Ballet MARCH 13-15 milwaukeeballet.org The 8th House Danceworks MKE MARCH 13-15 danceworksmke.org Tales of Hoffman The Florentine Opera MARCH 13-15 florentineopera.org Julius Caesar First Stage MARCH 13-22 firststage.org CLASSICS
Bach’s St. Matthew Passion MARCH 20, 7:30 P.M. MARCH 21, 7:30 P.M.
Ken-David Masur, conductor Milwaukee Symphony Chorus Cheryl Frazes Hill, chorus director Milwaukee Children’s Chorus Patrick Grahl, tenor When the church was questioning the morality of art, Bach gave the world a musical triumph of faith and spirit. The MSC sings the text from the Gospel of Matthew, sharing a profound biblical narrative with color and emotion.
Rituals, Spells & Charms Present Music MARCH 20-21 presentmusic.org
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Is This a Room Milwaukee Chamber Theatre MARCH 20-APRIL 5 milwaukeechambertheatre.org Barefoot in the Park Renaissance Theaterworks MARCH 22-APRIL 12 rtwmke.org SPECIAL
Yo-Yo Ma with Orchestra (SOLD OUT!) MARCH 25, 8:00 P.M.
Ken-David Masur, conductor Yo-Yo Ma, cello For one night only, legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma brings his plush sound and effortless technique to Milwaukee for his Bradley Symphony Center concerto debut. Dvořák’s cello concerto, written at the height of his creative powers, presents a magisterial view of the instrument’s creative potential and remains one of the most luminous intimations of the composer’s inner world. POPS
Decades: Back to the ’80s MARCH 27, 7:30 P.M. MARCH 28, 7:30 P.M. MARCH 29, 2:30 P.M.
Gertrude Abercrombie Milwaukee Art Museum MARCH 27-JULY 19 mam.org Frida … A Self Portrait Milwaukee Rep APRIL 3-MAY 17 milwaukeerep.com CLASSICS
Wincor Conducts Shostakovich No. 1 APRIL 10, 11:15 A.M. APRIL 11, 7:30 P.M.
Katharina Wincor, conductor David Fray, piano Guest conductor Katharina Wincor leads a masterwork by young Shostakovich – his first symphony launched the composer’s career and remains one of his most celebrated contributions to music.
A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream Skylight Music Theatre APRIL 10-26 skylightmusictheatre.org Disney’s Frozen First Stage APRIL 11-MAY 17 firststage.org Mrs. Christie Milwaukee Rep APRIL 14-MAY 10 milwaukeerep.com
Byron Stripling, conductor Brie Cassil, Paul Loren and Colin Smith, vocalists Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling returns for a power-packed evening of the decade’s iconic, beloved No. 1 hit songs, including “The Power of Love,” “Time After Time,” “Material Girl,” “Footloose,” “Addicted to Love” and many others.
CLASSICS
Schumann Romance APRIL 17, 7:30 P.M. APRIL 18, 7:30 P.M.
Ken-David Masur, conductor Nancy Zhou, violin Violinist Nancy Zhou takes center stage for Clara Schumann’s Three Romances. Robert Schumann struggled against illness and depression to complete his second symphony but eventually added a boisterous finale “in which I am myself again.”
Dinner With The Duchess Next Act Theatre APRIL 22-MAY 17 nextact.org CLASSICS
Fandango & Rapsodie APRIL 25, 7:30 P.M. APRIL 26, 2:30 P.M.
Asher Fisch, conductor Ilana Setapen, violin Guest conductor Asher Fisch leads this vivid program featuring two pieces by Ravel inspired by the sounds of Spain. The MSO’s First Associate Concertmaster Ilana Setapen commands the stage with Arturo Márquez’s folk-infused violin concerto Fandango.
Echoing Through the Ages Bel Canto APRIL 26 belcanto.org Alice (In Wonderland) Milwaukee Ballet MAY 1-10 milwaukeeballet.org
Ken-David Masur
George and Gracie: A Love Story Milwaukee Rep MAY 1-JUNE 14 milwaukeerep.com
IMAGE: COURTESY OF THE MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Ain’t Misbehavin’ Milwaukee Rep MARCH 6-APRIL 26 milwaukeerep.com
Come for the view. Stay for the lifestyle. We believe retirement is the beginning of your next great adventure—no matter the season. Wake up to the quiet beauty of freshly fallen snow and the peacefulness of the Kettle Moraine—right outside your door. Cedar Community offers lakefront charm, outdoor winter adventures, and vibrant community living designed for active adults who want more from retirement. Discover how Cedar Community can enhance your next chapter!
cedarcommunity.org
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Call 262.338.4617 to schedule your personal tour and experience Cedar Community for yourself.
ENJOY ART ALL-YEAR ROUND! All events are FREE & open to the Public!
2026 Plein Air Painting Event May 30th - June 6th Experience Wisconsin’s largest showcase of local and national plein air artists—featuring newly completed paintings in a gallery exhibition and sale.
Annual Juried Exhibit August 29th - October 11th 250 Guild members exhibit their best work for this juried show. It’s a favorite for dedicated art collectors to purchase unique pieces.
Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour October 9th - 11th Three days of creative inspiration. Visit talented Guild members in their studios and workspaces across Ozaukee and Washington Counties.
Holiday Art Fair December 4th - 6th Over 40 Guild artists display their work in Cedarburg’s Community Center. All originating from the hands, heart and eyes of each artisan.
Main Street Gallery Year round, Tues. - Sun. (inside the Cedarburg Cultural Center) A fresh collection of art produced by Guild members year round.
cedarburgartistsguild.com F E BRUARY 2 0 26 | 22
SPONSORED BY
Copland & Twain MAY 8, 11:15 A.M. MAY 9, 7:30 P.M. MAY 10, 2:30 P.M.
Co-premiere with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Ravinia Festival Ken-David Masur, conductor Bill Barclay, director, Concert Theatre Works
This new theatrical concert marries Aaron Copland’s stirring incidental music with Mark Twain’s poignant observations of a changing America. Ken-David Masur leads the full orchestral power of the MSO in an America250 Celebration, joined by six costumed actors and enhanced by vibrant projected visuals.
A Raisin in the Sun Milwaukee Chamber Theatre MAY 8-24 milwaukeechambertheatre.org Currents 40: Widline Cadet Milwaukee Art Museum MAY 8-AUG. 9 mam.org Tosca The Florentine Opera MAY 15-17 florentineopera.org
Br!NK New Play Festival Renaissance Theaterworks MAY 17-18 rtwmke.org POPS
America the Beautiful: Patriotic Pops MAY 22, 7:30 P.M. MAY 23, 7:30 P.M. MAY 24, 2:30 P.M.
Byron Stripling, conductor Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a musical journey that captures the heart and soul of the nation. Byron Stripling leads this historic concert experience, showcasing the evolution of American music, from spirituals and gospel tunes to the rhythms of ragtime and the heartfelt passion of the blues.
CLASSICS
Stravinsky’s Firebird MAY 29, 7:30 P.M. MAY 30, 7:30 P.M.
Jader Bignamini, conductor Giuseppe Gibboni, violin Jader Bignamini conducts a suite from Stravinsky’s fairytale ballet, The Firebird. Rising star Giuseppe Gibboni performs an intoxicating violin concerto by Pulitzer Prize-winning jazz legend Wynton Marsalis.
And Then There Were None Milwaukee Rep MAY 26-JUNE 28 milwaukeerep.com Terra Papagalli Danceworks MKE MAY 29-30 danceworksmke.org ◆
creativity arts culture originality
P O O
e s o cho Spring Awakening: he Fox Cities arts & culture scene is calling! he rout
useum
of Art has a beautiful new home you must see. njoy free admission through 2026 while exploring this magnificent space. hen, transition from fine art to ancient history as you unearth the extraordinary at the
istory
useum at the Castle, where fossil and
mineral displays await your discovery. Get inspired at FoxCities.org
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IMAGE: COURTESY OF THE MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
CLASSICS
MILWAUKEE’S HOME FOR MUSIC THEATRE Tickets and season subscriptions at SkylightMusicTheatre.org (414) 291-7800
Celebrating new plays and musicals across Wisconsin in 2026
Bigger. ig g Bolder. All Year. ea World Premiere Wisconsin is the nation’s first state-wide new play festival, returning after our wildly successful inaugural festival in 2023. With nearly 50 participating theaters (and counting!) across the state, your new favorite new play is waiting for you to discover! Visit our website to learn more, or email us to join as a participating theater.
worldpremierewisconsin.com | info@worldpremierewisconsin.com F E BRUARY 2 0 26 | 24