Monday, July 2, 7:30 p.m.
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Harriet Johnson Auditorium, Somsen Hall, Winona State University
$25, $21 students and senior citizens
Returning for their sixth year, Festival favorite Orpheus Chamber Orchestra kicks off the twelfth season. A standard-bearer of innovation and artistic excellence, Orpheus is one of the world’s foremost chamber orchestras. This summer, Orpheus brings their collaboration, innovation, and passion to a program featuring Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Mahler transcription of Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 11 in F minor, Op. 95.
Thursday, July 5, 7:30 p.m.
Takács Quartet
Page Theatre, Saint Mary’s University
$25, $21 students and senior citizens
The Takács Quartet, world-renowned for the vitality of its interpretations, was formed in 1975 at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest. Takács was praised by The New York Times for “revealing the familiar as unfamiliar, making the most traditional of works feel radical once more.” In their second Festival appearance, Takács will present works by Mozart, Dohnanyi, and Beethoven.
Sunday, July 8, 3:00 p.m.
Sarah Chang, violin
Harriet Johnson Auditorium, Somsen Hall, Winona State University
$25, $21 students and senior citizens
Since her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of eight, Sarah Chang has enjoyed an exceptional international career spanning more than two decades. A past recipient of the Avery Fisher prize and currently recognized as one of the world’s greatest violinists, Chang’s Festival debut includes works by Bartók, Beethoven, and Brahms as well as the epic Sonata in A Major by César Franck.
Tuesday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.
Marc-André Hamelin, piano
Harriet Johnson Auditorium, Somsen Hall, Winona State University
$25, $21 students and senior citizens
Pianist Marc-André Hamelin is known worldwide for his unrivalled blend of consummate musicianship and brilliant technique. Hamelin is recipient of ten Grammy nominations, including seven for “Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (Without Orchestra).” We are thrilled to welcome Hamelin back for his second Festival appearance, performing Beethoven’s beloved Piano Sonata No. 23, Op. 27 (Appassionata) and Liszt’s monumental Sonata in B minor.
Thursday, July 12, 7:30 p.m.
Sō Percussion
Page Theatre, Saint Mary’s University
$25, $21 students and senior citizens
With innovative multi-genre original performances and sensational interpretations of modern classics, Sō Percussion has redefined the scope and vital role of the percussion ensemble. Described by the New Yorker as displaying an “exhilarating blend of precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam,” Sō Percussion’s repertoire ranges from classics of the twentieth century to distinctive collaborations with artists who work outside the classical concert hall.
Sunday, July 15, 8:00 p.m.
Minnesota Orchestra
FREE Pops Concert
Lake Park Bandshell
Mark your calendars for the biggest event of the summer! The Minnesota Orchestra is back with the annual free pops concert at Lake Park. Pack a picnic, bring your lawn chairs, and enjoy world-class music at this favorite Festival tradition!
Tuesday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.
Kenny Broberg, piano
Page Theatre, Saint Mary’s University
$25, $21 students and senior citizens
A native of Minneapolis, 23-year-old piano sensation Kenny Broberg won the silver medal at the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition for performances that, according to the Texas Classical Review, showed “an imaginative shaping of themes, revelation of inner voices, and an unfailing sense of momentum.” Broberg has also won prizes at the Sydney, Seattle, and New Orleans International Piano Competitions. In what promises to be a thrilling Festival debut, his program includes Bach’s Toccata in C Minor and Samuel Barber’s seminal Sonata for Piano.
Thursday, July 19, 7:30 p.m.
& Friday, July 20, 7:30 p.m.
Pablo Sáinz Villegas, guitar
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
$25, $21 students and senior citizens
Praised as “the soul of the Spanish guitar,” Pablo Sáinz Villegas has become a worldwide sensation. Lauded by The New York Times for his “virtuosic playing characterized by irresistible exuberance,” Sáinz Villegas’ interpretations conjure the passion, playfulness, drama, and rich musical heritage of Rioja, his homeland. Sáinz Villegas brings his emotive and open-hearted playing to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in an intimate tribute to legendary Spanish guitarist Andrés Segovia.
Sunday, July 22, 4:00 p.m.
Minnesota Orchestra
with Osmo Vänskä
Winona Middle School Auditorium
$25, $21 students and senior citizens
Our 2018 season draws to a close with internationally-renowned conductor Osmo Vänskä leading the Minnesota Orchestra in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, has long ranked among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in Minnesota and around the world. Don’t miss this incredible Festival finale!