January 25 | 10:00 AM | Hamel Music Center
Winter Wings in Wisconsin
Free Family Concert
Free | Ticket required
Take flight on a joyful winter journey as Taya the Goldfinch searches for her lost friend, the Cuckoo Bird. This interactive family concert features live Baroque music performed by the internationally acclaimed ensemble VERITÀ, led and directed by celebrated educator Dr. Zeynep Alpan. Through music, movement, and sound-making inspired by the birds of Wisconsin, audiences of all ages become part of the story.
Pre-concert activities begin at 10:00 AM and include a wing-making station, an instrument petting zoo, and a visit from the Bird Alliance, where families can learn more about Wisconsin’s birds. Coffee and tea will be provided.
The concert begins at 11:00 AM and brings Taya’s story to life through music and audience participation, inviting listeners to listen closely, move freely, and follow musical clues as the adventure unfolds.
Families can also join a community bird scavenger hunt leading up to the concert January 21st through February 19th; follow the clues to visit local Madison businesses and collect bird-themed stickers, then bring your completed collection to the concert to claim a special prize (and help reunite Taya and the Cuckoo Bird!).
Free and open to all ages, this playful winter concert is the perfect way to gather, explore, and celebrate music, nature, and community together.
Bird Scavenger Hunt
Winter Wings of Wisconsin
Taya the Goldfinch needs your help! Her friend, the Cuckoo Bird, has gone missing. Follow the clues, visit local Madison businesses, and collect bird stickers to help reunite them. The story comes to life at the concert.
How It Works
- Follow the poem
A short poem gives clues that lead you to participating local businesses around Madison. Each clue points to a new location.
- Visit the businesses
When you arrive, you can either:
- Say “cuckoo bird” to the cashier or staff member, or
- Look around the store to find the bird sticker.
- Collect the bird stickers
Each business has one unique bird sticker. Every bird is different.
- Collect them all
Your goal is to collect all the bird stickers to help Taya on her journey.
- Come to the concert
Bring your completed sticker collection to the Winter Wings of Wisconsin Concert on
Sunday, January 25 at 10:00 AM.
- Claim your prize and enjoy the story
At the concert, show your full set of bird stickers to receive your prize and experience Taya’s story through music, wing making, and an instrument petting zoo. Coffee and tea will be served.
Thank you for supporting local businesses and helping Taya find the Cuckoo Bird. We look forward to seeing you at the concert.
Questions? Email us at konigtarasev@wisc.edu