Sept. 2, 2026
Contact Mary Ellen Haupert at 608-796-3770 or mehaupert@viterbo.edu
LA CROSSE, Wis. – The 2026–27 Out of Our Minds Chamber Music concert series will be held at Viterbo University’s Nola Starling Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center. The five-concert season is curated by Viterbo faculty Dr. Mary Ellen Haupert and features a diverse selection of chamber music, ranging from Bach and Schumann to Poulenc, Bartók, Dohnányi, and contemporary works.
All concerts are free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door and may also be made directly to Viterbo University with “Chamber Music” designated.
The season opens on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. with “Second Chances.” The program includes Eric Ewazen’s Horn Trio, Robert Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44, and Schumann’s Fantasiestücke, Op. 73, “Zart und mit Ausdruck,” for horn and piano. Performers are Michelle Elliott and Eric Ward, violin; Busya Lugovier, viola; Derek Clark, cello; Thomas Hunt, horn; and Mary Ellen Haupert, piano.
On Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. “Salon Bach” will explore the intimate world of Johann Sebastian Bach through flute sonatas, selections from the Coffee Cantata, and Suite No. 1 in G Major BWV 1007. The program features Jonathan Borja, flute; Theodora Nestorova, soprano; Alexander Fowler, cello; and Mary Ellen Haupert, harpsichord.
The series continues on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. with “Pizzicanto,” a program centered on the unique musical partnership of soprano and cello. Theodora Nestorova, soprano, and Alexander Fowler, cello, will perform a program highlighting the expressive possibilities of these two contrasting voices.
On Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027, at 3 p.m. the series presents “French Francis,” featuring music by Francis Poulenc, including his Trio, Sextet, sonatas, and other works. The ensemble includes Alyssa Gaines, flute; Tim Shows, oboe; Michael Chesher, clarinet; Jeff Copp, bassoon; Thomas Hunt, horn; and Mary Ellen Haupert, piano.
The season concludes on Sunday, April 11, 2027, at 3 p.m. with “Bulgarian Rhythms.” The program will feature Bulgarian-inspired and Bulgarian-related works by Maritsa Rosamilia, Béla Bartók, and Ernst Dohnányi. Performers are Maritsa Rosamilia, viola; James Rosamilia, cello; Michelle Elliott, violin; and Mary Ellen Haupert, piano.
Out of Our Minds Chamber Music invites music lovers of all ages to experience these performances in the intimate setting of Viterbo University’s Nola Starling Recital Hall. With programs spanning centuries, cultures, and musical styles, the 2026–2027 season offers audiences an opportunity to hear exceptional musicians in a welcoming and accessible chamber music environment.
The schedule:
SECOND CHANCES
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
SALON BACH
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 • 3 p.m.
PIZZICANTO
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 • 3 p.m.
FRENCH FRANCIS
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027 • 3 p.m.
BULGARIAN RHYTHMS
Sunday, April 11, 2027 • 3 p.m.
Location: Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Nola Starling Recital Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public. Donations accepted at the door or directly to Viterbo University with “Chamber Music” designated.