Schubert Festival Set for April 23-26

Published Friday, April 17, 2026

A violinist playing in the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra

The Southwest Minnesota Orchestra, with musical director Dr. Daniel Rieppel, will host events for the Schubert Festival 2026, featuring the music and life of Franz Schubert. The public is invited to attend the festival events at the SMSU Campus Religious Center on Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25 leading up to the Grand Finale Festival Concert on Sunday, April 26 in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church at 2pm. Guests include Victoria Erickson, Dr. Jean King, and SMSU Alumnus Dr. Paul Schell.

Thursday, April 23: Schubert Liederabend

Minnesota vocalist Victoria Erickson, soprano and Dr. Daniel Rieppel, piano, join for a new reimaging of Schubert's cycle "Die Schöne Müllerin" along with American premieres of songs by prominent German composer Mortiz Eggert
7:30 PM, SMSU Campus Religious Center, Free and open to the public

Friday, April 24: Schubert in the Key of C

Four Major Works of Schubert in the key of C Major that are both revolutionary in his own style and for the course of “Romantic Music.” This Lecture-Recital examines the Reliquie piano sonata and the Grand Duo with Dr. Jean King
6:30 PM, SMSU Campus Religious Center, Free and open to the public

Saturday, April 25: Schubert Roundtable and Reception

Roundtable Discussion with Dr. Daniel Rieppel, Dr. Paul Schell, and other notable musicologists from the Twin Cities and beyond. Light Reception to follow.
2:00-4:00 PM, SMSU Campus Religious Center, Free and open to the public

Sunday, April 26: GRAND FINALE FESTIVAL CONCERT

Southwest Minnesota Orchestra presents "Schubert and His World" with the University of Minnesota-Morris Chorale and local soloists, including world premieres of Dr. Rieppel's transcription of "Lebensstürme" for Piano and Strings and "Heavenly Length" by SMSU Alumnus Dr. Paul Schell and based on poetry of Bill Holm. Also featuring Schubert's haunting E-flat Major Trio; and the Mass in A-flat Major. Tickets: Adult: $12; Students: $5; Families of 3 or more: $25.
4:00 pm, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 503 W Lyon St, Marshall, MN

About Franz Schubert:

Born in Vienna, Austria in 1797, Schubert was remarkably prolific in his short life, having died in 1828 at the age of 31. Schubert left behind a huge oeuvre of more than 1,500 compositions, including over 600 art songs and other vocal works, seven complete symphonies, operas, piano and chamber music. Underappreciated in his lifetime, his works were discovered and championed in the decades after his death by Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, and Johannes Brahms. Today, he is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of Western classical music.

For more information, contact the SMSU Fine Arts and Communication Department at 507-537-7212 or email Daniel.Rieppel@SMSU.edu