The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s six Brandenburg Concertos on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Shannon Hall at Memorial Union as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s (WUT’s) 2025-2026 Classical Series.
The event brings a live performance of one of the most recognized collections in classical music to Madison and a collection that is widely regarded as some of the most influential and important instrumental works of the Baroque period. Composed between 1711–1720, each concerto highlights Bach’s innovative approach to music composition and diverse combinations of instruments and musical textures.
Founded in 1969, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Madison performance brings together internationally recognized musicians. The ensemble includes 20 musicians, including cellist Nicholas Canellakis, cellist Sterling Elliott, violist Paul Neubauer, and oboist James Austin Smith. Elliott last came to Madison in January when he performed Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, with violinist Gil Shaham and pianist Orli Shaham.
“Experiencing the Brandenburg Concertos live is a chance to hear Bach’s wide creative range and music recognized for its high technical demands on musicians,” Wisconsin Union Theater Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s precision and balance between technical skill and expressiveness make this event a remarkable way to experience the Concertos.”
This performance is part of the David and Kato Perlman Chamber Music Series and is supported by the David and Kato Perlman Chamber Music Fund.
Tickets range from $8 to $89 and can be purchased online, in person at the Memorial Union Box Office or by phone at 608-265-2787. Patrons can save 15-20% discount through a build-your-own-subscription option.
This performance is presented by WUT and the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee. Other Classical Series performances include Joyce DiDonato and Time for Three: "Emily - No Prisoner Be" on Feb. 12, 2026, opera vocalists soprano Erin Morley and tenor Lawrence Brownlee on March 5, 2026, the Doric String Quartet on March 22, 2026, and the Attacca Quartet with Caroline Shaw on April 16, 2026.
Patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/theater for WUT ticket information, subscription options, and additional information about WUT events.