The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Concerts on the Square returns for its 41st season kicking off on June 26 with a long-awaited performance by Tiempo Libre, a three-time Grammy-nominated Afro-Caribbean group, and the musicians of the orchestra.
One of the hottest Latin bands today, Tiempo Libre is kicking off the first performance of the Concerts on the Square season which will run every Wednesday at 7 p.m. from June 26-July 31. Originally set to open the 40th anniversary season in 2023, the performance had to be canceled due to concerns over health and safety over smoke from the Canadian wildfires.
“We are excited to announce that Tiempo Libre will return to Madison to open our season in 2024. They last appeared with us in 2012 and were planning to open last season, but mother nature had other plans,” says Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra CEO Joe Loehnis in a statement. “We can’t wait to kick the season off with this high-energy Cuban ensemble alongside our very own WCO musicians. It’s going to be a great summer.”
Andrew Sewell will celebrate the start of his 25th season as the conductor of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.
“Andrew is one of the true gems of our orchestra and arts community,” says Loehnis. “He’s one of the many reasons I came on board as CEO with the WCO. Andrew has a gift to curate programs that not only entertain but also connect with audiences in ways that only music can do.”
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years,” adds Sewell. “This season audiences can look forward to the return of Tiempo Libre to open the season, and a variety of outstanding soloists, composers, dancers, singers, and repertoire throughout. This concert series has continued to broaden and expand, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it for the last 25 years and to continue in the tradition.”
Concerts on the Square is a free-to-attend concert series funded through sponsorships and individual contributions.