Mankato — Music on the Hill is proud to announce its 2026–27 season, titled Perspectives & Masterpieces, featuring four captivating chamber music performances in the vibrant acoustics of Trinity Chapel on the campus of Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato.

The season officially launches this Sunday, November 1, with the inaugural performance, Classical Horizons.

Classical Horizons highlights the timeless elegance and structure of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Quartet in D major, K. 575, alongside Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw’s acclaimed modern masterpiece, Plan and Elevation. The performance will feature an extraordinary string quartet of world-class musicians: violins Alan Snow and Maureen Nelson, violist Lydia Grimes, and cellist Richard Belcher.

“We are thrilled to embark on a season that explores rich artistic dialogues across eras and instruments,” said Richard Belcher, Artistic Director and cellist for Music on the Hill. “Classical Horizons sets the stage for our entire ‘Perspectives & Masterpieces’ theme by placing Mozart’s sparkling classical clarity right next to Caroline Shaw’s evocative modern voice. Playing in the stunning acoustic setting of Trinity Chapel makes this a truly immersive experience for our audience, and we can’t wait to share this music live.”

A Full Season of Perspectives & Masterpieces

As the first of four major concerts in the series, Classical Horizons leads into a vibrant lineup
scheduled through spring 2027:

January 10, 2027

• – Polyphony & Passion: An afternoon exploring intricate counterpoint and dramatic emotion with J.S. Bach’s Sonata for Violin and Keyboard in A major, Reinhold Glière’s Huit Morceaux for Violin and Cello, and Clara Schumann’s passionate Piano Trio in G minor. Featuring Cecilia Belcher (violin), Richard Belcher (cello), and Mary Jo Gothmann (piano).
• March 21, 2027 – Dramatic Spirits: Highlighting romantic power and mystery with Swedish trailblazer Elfrida Andrée’s Trio in G minor paired with Ludwig van Beethoven’s haunting Trio in D major, Op. 70 #1 (“Ghost”). Featuring Maureen Nelson (violin), Richard Belcher (cello), and Seolyeong Jeong (piano).
• May 23, 2027 – Chamber Brilliance: The season finale brings a star-studded ensemble, including three featured musicians from the Mankato Symphony (Sabrina Tabby, Niloofar Sohi, and Rolf Erdahl). The program pairs Elfrida Andrée’s Piano Quartet in A minor with Franz Schubert’s immortal Piano Quintet in A major (“Trout”). Featuring Sabrina Tabby (violin), Niloofar Sohi (viola), Richard Belcher (cello), Rolf Erdahl (double bass), and Bethel Balge (piano).

• Event & Ticket Information

  • What: Classical Horizons (Music on the Hill, Season Opener)
  • When: Sunday, November 1, 2026, 4PM
  • Where: Trinity Chapel, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN
  • Program: Mozart: Quartet in D major, K. 575; Caroline Shaw: Plan and Elevation
  • Performers: Alan Snow (violin), Maureen Nelson (violin), Lydia Grimes (viola), Richard Belcher (cello)Experience the elegance, warmth, and thrill of world-class chamber music live in Mankato. For additional season information, venue directions, or ticketing details, please visit MankatoSymphony.org.
    

    Let the Music Begin

    From its first downbeat in 1950 to today, the Mankato Symphony Orchestra has grown into a cornerstone of regional arts. This 76 th Season is not just a celebration of the past—it’s a vibrant leap into the future.

    Visit www.mankatosymphony.org for tickets and gift opportunities. Let the celebration begin!

    About the Mankato Symphony Orchestra

    Founded in 1950, the MSO presents orchestral and chamber music of the highest caliber to Southern Minnesota. Under the leadership of Music Director Ernesto Estigarribia Mussi and Executive Director Bethel Balge, the orchestra continues to inspire audiences of all ages through performances, education, and community outreach.