19th century romantic chamber music takes center stage on April 3 with performance by violinist Gil Shaham, pianist Orli Shaham in Madison
Posted: 04/01/25
The Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) team will host an evening of romantic chamber music performed by brother and sister virtuosos violinist Gil Shaham and pianist Orli Shaham on April 3 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Memorial Union as part of its Classical Series.
The renowned artists will perform:
- Violin Sonata in B Minor byAmanda Röntgen-Maier
- Three Romances for Violin and Piano, Op. 22 by Clara Schumann
- Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 105 by Robert Schumann
- Three Romances, Op. 94 by Robert Schumann
- Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108 by Johannes Brahms
Gil Shaham has become renowned for his flawless technique and the warmth expressed in his performances. His violin studies began in Israel, where he studied under Samuel Bernstein at the Rubin Academy of Music. Just three years after beginning his studies, his talent and work led him to debut with the Jerusalem Symphony and Israel Philharmonic at 10 years old. His studies continued at both The Juilliard School and Columbia University.
His career has included collaborations with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, and the New York Philharmonic, a discography with more than two dozen recordings, and numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and The Diapason’s Diapason d’Or. He also received the Avery Fisher Prize in 2008 and Musical America’s Instrumentalist of the Year recognition in 2012.
Gil Shaham will be joined on stage by pianist Orli Shaham, whom The New York Times hailed as a "brilliant pianist.” She has received praise worldwide for her expressive performances and technical brilliance. Her discography features more than a dozen recordings.
In addition to her dedication to her artistry, Shaham is also passionate about music education and outreach. She serves on the piano and chamber music faculty at The Juilliard School and guest hosts the national radio program "From the Top." She also founded Orli Shaham’s Bach Yard, a concert series that introduces children to classical music.
“Having artists of Gil and Orli Shaham’s caliber perform right here in Madison is truly an incredible opportunity,” WUT Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “The warmth, technical excellence and depth with which Gil and Orli Shaham perform are perfectly paired with the expressive, flowing melodies and the wide range of dynamics of Romantic Era music.”
This performance is part of the David and Kato Perlman Chamber Music Series and is supported by the David and Kato Perlman Chamber Music Support Fund.
WUT’s 2024-2025 season also includes a Classical Series performance by Roomful of Teeth on April 9 and a Jazz Series performance by the Branford Marsalis Quartet on May 1. The WUT team anticipates announcing some of its 2025-2026 season in May.
Patrons can purchase tickets to WUT performances online, in person at the Memorial Union Box Office or by phone at (608) 265-2787.