40 Years, One Lasting Legacy

For 40 years, the Oakwood Chamber Players have brought one of the greatest gifts to Oakwood Village: live music. Time and again, residents mention how much they look forward to the concerts, not just for the joy of listening, but also for the chance to learn and experience something new.

In spring of 2025, the ensemble completed its 40th season, a milestone that speaks to their lasting impact on Oakwood residents as well as the broader community.

“I think we’re all kind of amazed,” says Nancy Mackenzie, founding member, Artistic Director, and clarinetist, reflecting on the group’s anniversary. “Historically, most chamber music groups don’t last for 40 years. So the fact that we’ve reached this milestone is really something to be proud of.”

Nancy is the only current member who has been with the ensemble since its first season in 1985. The group began as a collaboration between Oakwood and a circle of Madison-area freelance musicians who saw an opportunity to bring professional-quality chamber music to residents on campus. Inspired by a newly acquired grand piano and enthusiastic support from Oakwood staff, they curated their first informal performances right in the University Woods Center for Arts and Entertainment.

The early days of the Oakwood Chamber Players were casual and ever-changing.

“The first couple years were pretty informal,” describes Nancy. “Instrumentation sort of changed from concert to concert, personnel changed from concert to concert.”

Chamber music, as Nancy explains, is all about being closely knit. It typically features small ensembles, anywhere from two to 13 players, and is usually performed without a conductor unless the piece is especially complicated.

“It was music that was played in a living room,” says Nancy. “You don’t go hear a string quartet in a 2,000-seat hall.”

That smaller size brings greater room for creativity.

“As a small group, we make all of our own decisions,” offers Nancy. “In an orchestra, you’re more like an employee. In chamber music, it’s collaborative. We choose the music; we shape the performance.”

That spirit of collaboration and experimentation has led to various notable performances over the years, including a 1996 invitation to represent Wisconsin at the Kennedy Center’s 25th anniversary celebration, and a recent two-year-long project that culminated in a “circus concert” featuring live chamber music and dancers.

Oakwood has remained the group’s home base, a relationship that’s grown even stronger in recent years. For decades, the Chamber Players regularly performed at University Woods. But in the past few years, Prairie Ridge residents have also had the pleasure of enjoying on-site concerts.

“The renovations to the performance space at Prairie Ridge made it easier for us to play there,” says Nancy. “Now we do Friday nights at Prairie Ridge, Saturday at University Woods, and Sunday at the Arts + Literature Laboratory off East Washington.”

The expanded schedule has helped the Chamber Players reach more people, both within Oakwood and across the greater Madison area.

Even before helping form the Oakwood Chamber Players, Nancy had a passion for sharing music with older adults.

“I used to play with the VFW Band and the Capitol City Band, and we’d visit senior centers and community events,” she shares. “Playing for seniors has always been something I've enjoyed and I've done it in a variety of situations for years and years.”

She’s witnessed that connection in her own life, too.

“I actually had Mom and Dad move in [to Oakwood] about a year ago,” Nancy says. “Prior to that, I didn’t have a personal connection to Oakwood, but having activities for my dad this past year has been great.”

Her kids also grew up around the group, attending concerts, turning pages for the pianist, and moving chairs and stands. Now, as adults, they’ve come full circle and returned as performers.

Looking ahead, the group hopes to expand their recent circus concert collaboration and potentially bring it to local schools or other community venues. But for now, Nancy and her fellow musicians are reflecting on the legacy they’ve built. One that’s endured challenges, adapted to change, and stayed grounded in purpose.

“There have been hard times; COVID, for one,” Nancy shares. “But we kept going. We filmed outdoor concerts. We used plastic shields. We figured it out. Perseverance is part of our story.”

It hasn’t always been easy, she admitted. Over the years, members have retired, moved away, or stepped back to make room for other commitments. But for Nancy, it’s been worth sticking with.

“I don’t think I ever imagined 40 years [of concerts],” Nancy says with a laugh. “But I would tell my younger self to keep doing this. It’s great. Make the commitment, and you’ll love it.”

As she looks toward the future, she’s proud to see newer members stepping up and shaping what comes next.

“I think it’s a remarkable legacy. I’d like to say we’ll be here for another 40 years. We’ve had so much support from the Oakwood Foundation, Oakwood Village, and the residents. It’s been really special to build that relationship and to feel known here.”

To learn more about the Oakwood Chamber Players and to see their schedule, go to www.oakwoodchamberplayers.com