TWO CONCERTS at two Faribault churches. Same day, November 5. Overlapping times. That’s the dilemma for someone like me who would like to attend both concerts Sunday afternoon in my community. Perhaps I can listen to an hour of one before dashing off to the second. Whatever I decide, I realize how fortunate we are to have these local musical offerings.
The first concert, featuring the music of the popular Jivin’ Ivan and the Kings of Swing, begins at 2 pm and continues until 4 pm at Hope United Methodist Church, 3166 197th St. E. It’s a benefit concert kick-off for the Salvation Army’s 2023 Red Kettle Campaign in Rice County. Donations will be accepted at the event. As someone who’s rung bells for the Salvation Army, I fully support this mission to help those in need within my county.
The second concert, “Atmospheres,” begins at 3 pm at The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, 515 Second Ave. NW, across from Faribault’s Central Park. The Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra will perform in the historic cathedral, which has incredible acoustics. This free concert is part of the Merner Concert Series.
A highlight of Sunday’s orchestra concert is the world premiere of “Where the Waters Run,” a tone poem for harp and orchestra by Timothy Mahr featuring harpist Elinor Niemisto. Mahr is a retired professor of music at St. Olaf College, Northfield, and a renowned composer and conductor. Niemisto is also recently-retired from St. Olaf, but continues to teach harp at Carleton College across the river in Northfield.
Now…to try and make both concerts. Choosing one over the other is, well, simply too difficult.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Two great options! I believe the CVRO will perform the concert in Northfield on Saturday.
It’s wonderful that we have quality, and a great variety, of music in our small towns!,
You’re right on the CVRO concert in Northfield. And, yes, we are fortunate to have so many musical offerings available locally. I know the Paradise Center for the Arts also has an Elvis impersonator on Saturday.
I hope that you can find a way to see some of each of them, a lucky opportunity
I made it only to the orchestra concert and it was beyond wonderful. A little loud for me, given my sensory sensitivity. But I wore an ear plug and managed. So glad I went.