For over 20 years, the Madison Early Music Festival (MEMF) was shaped by its three co-founders—Cheryl Bensman-Rowe, Paul Rowe, and Chelcy Bowles—whose artistic leadership, educational vision, and community-building laid the foundation for the festival’s national reputation. Their work inspired thousands of students, performers, donors, and audience members and made possible the endowment that supports MEMF today.
MEMF 2026 builds upon this legacy while opening a new chapter under the artistic leadership of Taya König-Tarasevich. Honoring the founders’ vision, the renewed festival embraces a bold interdisciplinary approach—Uniting the Arts—led by the BBC-praised ensemble Verità Baroque.
The 2026 festival brings together Baroque music, dance, visual art, and innovation, featuring works by Vivaldi, Telemann, and Quantz; new commissions for Verità; internationally acclaimed guest artists; and the lecture-recital Quantz & Physics, marking the 100th anniversary of Schrödinger’s paper. Workshops, masterclasses, dance sessions, interactive family concerts, and reimagined Baroque dance invite audiences into a world where history, science, and creativity meet.
MEMF 2026 stands as both a tribute to its founders and a vibrant artistic evolution—carrying their work forward while shaping the festival’s next era.