To have my 25th anniversary coincide with the 100 year celebration of Leonard Bernstein's birth is special for me personally, because of the unique opportunities I had to work with this great American musician. The first half of the concert celebrates Lenny the composer, culminating in the first performance by the MSO of his second symphony, Age of Anxiety, which has a dazzling and at times jazzy part for the piano, and carries with it still, a timely social statement. Christopher Taylor, a Madison favorite with whom I have often enjoyed collaborating, will perform the challenging and exciting piano part. The second half of the concert pays tribute to Lenny the conductor, and his life-long love of Beethoven. Symphony No. 7 was the last piece Lenny conducted. I thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate Lenny and his great contribution to American musical life. — Maestro John DeMain

Student rush tickets are available for $12-$18 at the Overture Center Box Office on the day of the concert. Enjoy a 30-minute talk by music experts starting one hour before each concert in Overture Hall, free to ticketholders.

Tickets available online.