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 Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25 leading up to the grand finale festival concert on Sunday, April 26 in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

Guests include Victoria Erickson, Dr. Jean King, and SMSU alumnus Dr. Paul Schell. 

The schedule includes:

Thursday, April 23

Schubert Liederabend with Minnesota vocalist Victoria Erickson, soprano and Dr. Daniel Rieppel, piano, in a new reimaging of Schubert’s cycle “Die Schöne Müllerin” along with American premieres of songs by prominent German composer Mortiz Eggert

7:30 p.m., 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 p.m., SMSU Campus Religious Center, Free and open to the public

Saturday, April 25

Roundtable Discussion with Dr. Daniel Rieppel, Dr. Paul Schell, and other notable musicologists from the Twin Cities and beyond. Light Reception to follow.

2-4 p.m., 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

4 p.m., Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 503 West Lyon Street, Marshall, MN 

Adults, $12; Students, $5; Families of 3 or more, $25