Calendar
If you would like your event to be added, please contact calendar@rochestermusicguild.
November 2025
Tuesdays, starting October 7–6:30 p.m.
Zumbro Valley Chorus’s “Harmony for the Holidays.” Guests are welcome to join the chorus for rehearsals on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (Rochester) in October and November, and then join us as we share our Harmony with the community for December Tuesday evening performances at Senior Living Centers and medical hospitality houses. Zumbro Valley Chorus sings 4-part a cappella voiced for women. Free.
Saturday, November 8–7:30 p.m.
Ben Gateno–Blue Room Ballroom–$43.82, $33.18, $0
Don’t miss your chance to experience the enchanting melodies and masterful skill of this Spanish guitar virtuoso. Event includes Spanish guitar performance, Ragtime, Blues. Buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ben-gateno-spanish-guitar-tickets-1586717166759?aff=ebpredboostfbandigads&td_campaign_id=790190
Saturday, November 8–7:30 p.m.
Rochester Symphony Orchestra–Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall–$8-$40
Echoes of the Earth. This concert, celebrating the deep connection between culture, nature, and tradition, begins with Czech Suite—an homage to Dvořák’s homeland—alive with Bohemian dance rhythms and folk melodies. Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen thrills with passionate Spanish flair, followed by Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony. This masterpiece paints a vivid musical portrait of the countryside, from awe-inspiring storms to tranquil fields, babbling brooks, and rustic village dances.
Sunday, November 9—4:00 p.m.
A Festival of Music– First Presbyterian Church—Free, donations accepted
Luther College Piano Quartet with Dawn Wohn, guest violinist. Five faculty members from Luther College and UW Madison will offer chamber music by famed Soviet-Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich and treasured American Amy Beach. No need to travel to the big city concert hall for world class musicianship—get it here!
Thursday, November 13—7:00 p.m.
Rochester Community Band—Dakota Middle School Auditorium—Free
5501 65th St NW, Rochester
www.rochestercommunityband.org
Fall Concert: Come join the Band for a delightful evening of music. The concert is performed by music lovers from all walks of life and all ages. RCB will be directed by Anthony Boldt with our guest director, Elijah Gray. Selections include “Disco Kid,” “Danzon no. 2,” “Sunbloom” and “La Tregenda.” Bring the whole family and enjoy the music!
Friday, November 14—Noon
Rochester Music Guild Listen & Learn Series—Christ United Methodist Church–Free
Peter Micholic, hurdy-gurdy
Sunday, November 16—2:00 p.m.
Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras (SEMYO)—Dakota Middle School—Adults $10 suggested goodwill donation, Youth free
Overture: SEMYO Fall Festival. This event will include performances of original and arranged works for band and orchestra featuring all five SEMYO ensembles. Audience members are welcome to attend one or more of any of the performances. There is no reserved seating. Goodwill donations can be submitted online ahead of time or at the door. Dakota Middle School is located at 5501 65th St NW, Rochester.
Sunday, November 23—4:00 p.m.
Rochester Symphony Chorale—Bethel Lutheran Church—Free, donations accepted
Songs of Land and Country. In celebration of Chorale Director Colleen Chester’s inaugural year with Rochester Symphony, we present this special performance showcasing beloved choral favorites. In a collection of pieces that evoke our tender relationships to land, nature, history and home, this program is a perfect start to your Thanksgiving week. Bethel Lutheran Church is located at 810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
December 2025
Saturday, December 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Rochester Chamber Music Society – Christ United Methodist Church – free
Oratorio, Concerto, and Suite. Ninebark Ensemble returns with another joyous program to start our holiday celebration! Joining in this concert is mezzo-soprano Sahar Hassan and pianist Horacio Nuguid. Visit our website www.rochesterchambermusic.org for more information.
Tuesday, December 9—7:00 p.m.
MC Chamber Symphony—Saint Marys Hospital Chapel—Free and open to the public
44th Christmas Concert. Selections will include Tchaikovsky: Pas de Deux from Nutcracker, Vivaldi: Winter from Four Seasons, Zelenka: Hipochondria a 7, and assorted holiday favorites. The Chapel is located at the east end of the Domitilla Building, First Floor.
Tuesday, December 9–7:00 p.m.
Zumbro Valley Chorus–125 Live–Donations for the 125 Live food shelf accepted
Harmony for the Holidays. A variety of traditional and contemporary songs will be sung in 4-part a cappella, arranged in the barbershop style. Special guests: “The Lady Slippers” and “Med City Remedy.”
Thursday, December 11—7:00 p.m.
Rochester Community Band—Byron High School Performing Arts Center, 1887 2nd Avenue NW, Byron, MN—Free
A Winter’s Journey. Come join the Band for a delightful evening of music. The concert is performed by music lovers from all walks of life and all ages. RCB will be directed by Anthony Boldt. Selections include an arrangement of “Sleigh Ride,” “A Christmas Festival,” “So Wondrous Bright,” and “A Winter’s Journey.” Bring the whole family and enjoy the music! This is a wonderful time to wear your ugly holiday sweater. www.rochestercommunityband.org
Friday, December 12—7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 13—7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14—3:00 p.m.
Choral Arts Ensemble—Lourdes Chapel, Assisi Heights–$15-$40, $10
Christmas at Assisi: O Radiant Dawn. Featuring beloved carols, evocative contemporary works, and timeless choral classics, this program invites you to reflect, rejoice, and be renewed. Each piece will reflect the ancient promise of Christmas and the hope the season brings. https://www.choralartsensemble.org/
Sunday, December 21—7:00 p.m.
Rochester Pops Orchestra—Bethel Lutheran Church—Free, $5, $10, $12
Around the World at Christmas
January 2026
Friday, January 9–12:00 Noon
Listen & Learn–Christ United Methodist Church–Free
The D’Sievers–Jazz
February 2026
March 2026
Sunday, March 1—4:00 p.m.
A Festival of Music– First Presbyterian Church—Free, donations accepted
Nicholas Quardokus, organ. Nick is Canon Organist and Director of Music at Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, SC. A graduate of Indiana University and Yale University, he previously served as Assistant Organist at Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City; as Organ Scholar at St. Paul’s Parish, K Street, and assisted as a part-time interim at Washington National Cathedral, both in Washington, D.C.
Sunday, March 1–4:30 p.m.
Rochester Pops Orchestra–Bethel Lutheran Church–Free, $5, $10, $12
Contemporary Classics II This program highlights the voices of today’s composer’s, offering fresh, expressive works that honor the tradition of classical music while pushing it forward. Select pieces will showcase the newly installed antiphonal organ division and the remarkable moveable 5-manual console at Bethel Lutheran Church. Experience the rich, dynamic blend of orchestra and organ in an inspiring afternoon of powerful, beautiful music.
Sunday, March 22—4:00 p.m.
A Festival of Music– First Presbyterian Church—Free, donations accepted
Courtney Burton with Court’s In Session. This crew promises “Old School Jazz with an unforgettable feel-good vibe.” Many decades of experience telling stories to keep the songs and the jazz alive ensure that you’ll come away from this toe-tapper with a full heart and a new favorite. Courtney’s smooth vocals and deep appreciation for the art will dazzle!
April 2026
Sunday, April 19—4:00 p.m.
A Festival of Music– First Presbyterian Church—Free, donations accepted
Forte Handbell Quartet. This Colorado Springs based quartet of advanced handbell ringers has gained notoriety for their innovative and expansive repertoire. You’ve probably seen them online, and they are sought after performers and clinicians. Join us to learn just what a handbell can do—it might be more than you thought! Glorifying God with artistry, energy, and an attitude toward “rethinking possible” makes this an event you won’t want to miss.
May 2026
Saturday, May 2—7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 3—3:00 p.m.
Choral Arts Ensemble—Christ United Methodist Church–$30, $10
This Being Human. Open your heart for a powerful program exploring the richness and complexity of the human experience. Featuring a wide range of traditional and contemporary choral works alongside songs in popular styles, the concert will address the ongoing mental health crisis with compassion, honesty, and hope. Guided by the eight dimensions of wellness, each piece has been thoughtfully selected to reflect a different facet of well-being, offering strength-based perspectives on healing and resilience. https://www.choralartsensemble.org/
Sunday, May 17—4:00 p.m.
A Festival of Music– First Presbyterian Church—Free, donations accepted
Rochester Community Music Showcase. Multiple local performers take the stage in this 4th Annual Showcase. Come for a variety of stellar musical offerings and stay for the community and fellowship among like-minded supporters of local artistry.
