Wisconsin Young Artists Compete: The Final Forte Archives

Congratulations to the 2025 Bolz Young Artist Competition finalists who will perform in ‘The Final Forte’

January 17, 2025

The semi-final round of Madison Symphony Orchestra’s (MSO) 2025 Bolz Young Artist Competition took place on Jan. 9, 2025, and…

MSO music director John DeMain reflects on Bolz Young Artist Competition and his career

February 22, 2024

The Bolz Young Artist Competition is a highly-regarded statewide competition in which Wisconsin high school musicians compete for scholarships and…

Meet the 2023 ‘Final Forte’ musicians

February 8, 2023

Four of Wisconsin’s most talented young musicians take the stage at Overture Hall March 8 to perform with the Madison…

Meet the 2022 ‘Final Forte’ musicians

April 11, 2022

Four of Wisconsin’s most talented young musicians will take the stage at Overture Hall on April 13 to perform with…

Inside ‘The Final Forte’: music educator discusses student prep for competition

March 23, 2022

Four of Wisconsin’s finest high school musicians will compete in the 2022 Bolz Young Artist Competition finale. Wisconsin Young Artists…

‘Wisconsin Young Artists Compete: The Final Forte’ Available to Stream On-Demand Now

May 26, 2021

PBS Wisconsin, Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) and the Madison Symphony Orchestra present the final round of the Bolz Young Artist…

“The Final Forte” 2017 Premieres Tonight!

March 29, 2017

Above, from left to right: Violinist Julian Rhee, harpist Naomi Sutherland, pianist Michael Wu and violinist Yaoyao Chen. Join us…

The Journey to Overture Stage

March 23, 2017

For the finalists of the prestigious Bolz Young Artist competition, the journey to Overture stage is a long one that…

Alyssa Beno

I am the editor of Airwaves, our monthly program guide for members. When I’m not highlighting our incredible programs, I’m pedaling the countryside, hiking at a state park, making soy candles, thrift shopping or hanging out with my husband and miniature schnauzer.

Andrew Carlson

As a community engagement manager for PBS Wisconsin, I create lasting relationships with communities around the state, connecting folks through our programming, outreach, and events. Outside of work, I love hiking with my partner, traveling, making music, and meeting friends old and new.

Becky Marburger

As a member of our Marketing and Communications team, I help share PBS Wisconsin's story, including the content we produce and opportunities we provide. Outside the office, you'll likely find me with my nose in a book, outdoors or farming!

Erik Ernst

I'm the Communications Associate Director at PBS Wisconsin. When I'm not letting people know about all of the awesome work the station is doing around the state, you'll find me planning my family's next trip to somewhere fun, warm and likely connected to a Disney Park.

Ian Lewitz

I'm a PBS Wisconsin publicist and former production assistant for the Wisconsin Life project. I enjoy exploring Wisconsin's many lakes and spending the summer months camping around the state.

Inga Witscher

Inga Witscher is a passionate Wisconsin dairy farmer, cheesemaker and host of PBS Wisconsin’s Around the Farm Table.

Luke Zahm

Luke Zahm is a James Beard-nominated chef and owner of The Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin. He shares his passion for discovering the stories behind the food we eat as host of Wisconsin Foodie.

Marci Glaus

I am the education communications manager for PBS Wisconsin Education. When I am not raving about our outstanding education resources, you can find me dancing, reading, playing, and exploring with my two young children while trying to stay awake past nine o’clock.

Mike Devine

I’m a Public Relations Specialist for PBS Wisconsin who enjoys promoting the wide range of programming that we offer. When I’m not sharing the stories of PBS Wisconsin content, I enjoy going to concerts, watching movies, reading and traveling (Always open to recommendations for my next destination!).

Mark Riechers

Mark is a digital content editor for PBS Wisconsin. A photographer, radio producer and writer, he has experience telling all kinds of stories, from the history of Milwaukee beer ads to processing death through game development.

Pete Schwaba

Pete Schwaba is a stand-up comedian, writer, director and host of "Director's Cut" on PBS Wisconsin. His writing and directing credits include “A Guy Thing” and “The Godfather of Green Bay.” Pete’s TV writing credits include “Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?” as Jeff Foxworthy’s writer/producer and the sports comedy show “Sports Soup.” Pete is married with two children and splits time between Los Angeles and the Midwest.

Samantha Nash

I’m a project manager at PBS Wisconsin, and formerly an associate editor at WisContext. When I’m not scouring the state for fun music and arts content, I’m usually being forced to go on a hike by my demanding border collie or being forced to read on the couch by my demanding cats.

Sigrid Peterson

I'm a digital producer at PBS Wisconsin. I make our digital shenanigans compelling, friendly, and interactive so viewers can access great PBS programming over the air, on the web, on a boat, in a moat, in a box, with a fox. . . you catch my drift.

Tara Lovdahl

As a publicist for PBS Wisconsin, I love helping people learn about and engage with our wonderful programs. I also enjoy bicycling, baking, playing board games and watching movies (especially musicals).

Tawny Morrison

As the education communications specialist for PBS Wisconsin Education, I get to support teachers by sharing incredible education resources with them. In my free time I do a lot of teaching and learning of my own – with a pair of escrima sticks in my hands at a martial arts gym.