Community Partnership Brings Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to the Northwoods
September 11, 2026
For the first time in almost a decade, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is returning to the Northwoods. September 29-30, 2026, musicians from the MSO will spend two days in Rhinelander, performing for local students before taking the stage for two distinct public performances: a full evening concert at Rhinelander High School and an intimate chamber concert at Nicolet College.
During their Rhinelander visit, MSO musicians will spend time with area students. Elementary, middle and high school students will experience a symphony performance, while high school band students will also get an opportunity to work with some members of the orchestra and the orchestra production team to explore different aspects of being a professional musician.
The residency's headline event is a ticketed evening performance on Tuesday, September 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the John and Dori Brown Performing Arts Center at Rhinelander High School, 665 Coolidge Ave. The concert marks a rare opportunity for the Northwoods community to experience a full symphony orchestra performance right in our own backyard. Tickets are $25 and available at ArtStart, Childs Frame Co., Northland Music Store, or online at artstartrhinelander.org.
The following day, MSO musicians will take the stage in a more intimate setting for an afternoon chamber ensemble concert on Wednesday, September 30 in The Theatre at Nicolet College’s Lakeside Center. Four chamber ensembles will perform. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at nicoletcollege.tix.com.
The residency is made possible by a strong partnership, bringing together the arts, education, and community organizations. Special thanks to those who have supported this visit, including Nicolet College Foundation, Rhinelander Community Foundation, Rhinelander Woman's Club, Rhinelander Lion's Club, Northern Arts Council, Superior Diesel, WXPR, ArtStart, the community planning committee, and private donors.
About ArtStart
ArtStart is a nonprofit arts and cultural organization based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, dedicated to bringing high-quality arts programming, education, and cultural experiences to the Northwoods community. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, ArtStart offers galleries, concerts, classes, and community events for all ages. Learn more at artstartrhinelander.org.
About the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Within only a few years of its founding in 1959, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra rose through the ranks of the nation's professional orchestras, quickly distinguishing itself as one of America's finest symphonic ensembles. Devoted to engaging diverse audiences throughout the region, the MSO presents a wide variety of programming curated to meet the cultural needs of the state of Wisconsin. Its world-class
performances encompass masterworks of the classical repertoire, semi-staged operatic and theatrical productions, vibrant arrangements of popular music, screenings of Hollywood classics accompanied by live renditions of their scores, and nationally acclaimed educational and community outreach initiatives.
About Nicolet College and the Nicolet College Foundation
Nicolet College provides accessible, high-quality education at a flexible pace, offering more than 60 programs, including associate degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeships, and certificates. The Nicolet College Foundation supports the college through philanthropy and community partnerships that expand educational and cultural opportunities for students. Learn more at nicoletcollege.edu.
During their Rhinelander visit, MSO musicians will spend time with area students. Elementary, middle and high school students will experience a symphony performance, while high school band students will also get an opportunity to work with some members of the orchestra and the orchestra production team to explore different aspects of being a professional musician.
The residency's headline event is a ticketed evening performance on Tuesday, September 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the John and Dori Brown Performing Arts Center at Rhinelander High School, 665 Coolidge Ave. The concert marks a rare opportunity for the Northwoods community to experience a full symphony orchestra performance right in our own backyard. Tickets are $25 and available at ArtStart, Childs Frame Co., Northland Music Store, or online at artstartrhinelander.org.
The following day, MSO musicians will take the stage in a more intimate setting for an afternoon chamber ensemble concert on Wednesday, September 30 in The Theatre at Nicolet College’s Lakeside Center. Four chamber ensembles will perform. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at nicoletcollege.tix.com.
The residency is made possible by a strong partnership, bringing together the arts, education, and community organizations. Special thanks to those who have supported this visit, including Nicolet College Foundation, Rhinelander Community Foundation, Rhinelander Woman's Club, Rhinelander Lion's Club, Northern Arts Council, Superior Diesel, WXPR, ArtStart, the community planning committee, and private donors.
About ArtStart
ArtStart is a nonprofit arts and cultural organization based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, dedicated to bringing high-quality arts programming, education, and cultural experiences to the Northwoods community. Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, ArtStart offers galleries, concerts, classes, and community events for all ages. Learn more at artstartrhinelander.org.
About the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Within only a few years of its founding in 1959, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra rose through the ranks of the nation's professional orchestras, quickly distinguishing itself as one of America's finest symphonic ensembles. Devoted to engaging diverse audiences throughout the region, the MSO presents a wide variety of programming curated to meet the cultural needs of the state of Wisconsin. Its world-class
performances encompass masterworks of the classical repertoire, semi-staged operatic and theatrical productions, vibrant arrangements of popular music, screenings of Hollywood classics accompanied by live renditions of their scores, and nationally acclaimed educational and community outreach initiatives.
About Nicolet College and the Nicolet College Foundation
Nicolet College provides accessible, high-quality education at a flexible pace, offering more than 60 programs, including associate degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeships, and certificates. The Nicolet College Foundation supports the college through philanthropy and community partnerships that expand educational and cultural opportunities for students. Learn more at nicoletcollege.edu.
Contact:
Traci Stinebrink, Communications Director
tstinebrink@artstartrhinelander.org, 715-362-4328
