MANITOWOC, WI, July 1, 2025 – Manitowoc is one of the smallest communities in the country to sustain a full symphony orchestra, and now The Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is kicking off its 75th Season spotlighting the incredible talent nurtured on the lakeshore. Celebrating the musicians, mentors, and dreamers who shaped the Symphony throughout the years with unforgettable music that honors the MSO’s roots and embraces what is next.

Sibelius’ radiant second symphony – a favorite of MSO founding Music Director Karl Miller – launches the season on Saturday, October 4 with Sibelius & Mozart. Pianists Diana Shapiro and Stanislava Varshavski will perform a Mozart double piano concerto – a piece that is all about family and togetherness – to recognize music education as Holy Family Conservatory celebrates its 100th anniversary.

On Sunday, December 21, the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra presents Noel! Bach & Handel—a festive concert filled with timeless holiday music. Beloved former MSO Director Wayne Wildman returns, this time not at the podium, but as our featured artist. Joining us for this joyful occasion is the Capitol Civic Centre Community Chorale, led by Jim and Susie Miller.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 14 with Valentine’s Gershwin & Song, bringing virtuoso pianist Kelleen Strutz back home to the lakeshore. Experience the sweeping emotions of great opera as
Lincoln High School alumni and rising stars, soprano Cassie Glaeser and tenor Zachary Glaeser, perform arias from Carmen and Turandot.

The MSO 75th Season concludes on April 11 with Beloved Beethoven & Bruch featuring native son, violinist Andrew Dunlap, playing the lush and passionate piece Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. And, MSO kicks off an exciting new concert cycle: over the next nine years, every Beethoven Symphony will be performed, beginning with Beethoven’s vibrant and thrilling first symphony.

Follow MSO on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay connected throughout our 75th season!

All concerts are performed at the Capitol Civic Centre, Manitowoc. Season tickets are currently on sale. Subscribe online at manitowocsymphony.org/season-tickets (you’ll be directed to the Capitol Civic Centre website). Your support helps sustain MSO operations. Single tickets for individual concerts go on sale August 11, 2025.

ABOUT MSO: Now entering its 75th season! Manitowoc is one of the smallest communities in the country to sustain a full symphony orchestra. The MSO’s mission is to promote the highest quality orchestral music experiences for both patrons and musicians, believing in music’s power to move, inspire, and unite. manitowocsymphony.org

CONTACT: Peggy Pitz, MSO Executive Director | 920-684-3492 or pwpitz@ameritech.net