July 30th, 2025
Mankato — The Mankato Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is proud to announce its 2025– 2026 Diamond Anniversary Season, marking 75 years of symphonic excellence in Southern Minnesota. Titled “Cheers to 75!” this milestone season is a radiant tribute to the MSO’s legacy of musical brilliance, community engagement, and forward-looking creativity.
“This season reflects who we are: passionate, adventurous, and deeply rooted in our community,” said Music Director and Conductor Ernesto Estigarribia Mussi. “It is an honor to share this unforgettable journey with our audiences—both longtime supporters and first-time concertgoers.”
Season Highlights
Symphonic Series
From the pulse of Latin rhythms to the grandeur of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, this year’s four full-orchestra concerts showcase global flair and local heart. Highlights include:
- Latin Pulse (Oct. 18, 2025, Kato Ballroom): A fiery celebration of Latin American composers, featuring Piazzolla’s Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas with Concertmaster Sabrina Tabby.
- Ode to Joy (Dec. 20, 2025, St. Peter HS): Beethoven’s choral masterpiece, with soloists and full chorus, alongside a moving tribute to former Music Director Kenneth Freed.
- Fantastique (Mar. 14, 2026, St. Peter HS): Featuring Grieg’s Piano Concerto performed by the MSO Concerto Competition Grand Prize Winner, followed by Berlioz’s epic Symphonie Fantastique.
- Soundtrack of Our Nation (May 9, 2026, Ted Paul Theatre, MNSU): A rousing finale with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue featuring NPR’s Peter Dugan, Bernstein’s West Side Story, and Joan Tower’s Made in America.
Music on the Hill Series:
A chamber music experience curated by Artistic Director Richard Belcher, this series presents four stunning programs in the intimate Trinity Chapel at Bethany Lutheran College. Each concert explores powerful themes like memory, duality, and transformation,
Special Events
- Symphony on the Prairie (Sept. 6, 2025, Benson Park): A free outdoor concert blending classical works with pop hits, movie scores, and patriotic flair.
- European Travel Tour (Oct. 2026): A once-in-a-lifetime travel experience through Prague, Vienna, and Budapest touring the cities by day and attending concerts by night. Registration opens this fall.
Mary Suedbeck Concerto Competition
Now in its fourth year, this statewide competition continues to elevate young Minnesota talent with $5,000 in prizes and the opportunity to perform with the MSO.
Join the Celebration
Early Bird subscriptions go on sale August 1, including the “Full Feast” package—all eight concerts for just $200, plus a limited-edition gift commemorating the MSO’s 75-year history. Individual concert tickets start at $30 for adults and $5 for youth.
A Legacy Worth Doubling
In honor of the 75th Anniversary, the Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation has pledged a $75,000 matching grant to support the orchestra’s future. Every dollar donated through the “75 for 75” campaign will be matched—doubling the impact of each gift.
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 Diamond Season is not just a celebration of the past—it’s a vibrant leap into the future.
Visit www.mankatosymphony.org for tickets, travel details, and donation 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.