The big news on the local classical music scene is that Jere Lantz, the longtime music director of the Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale, has taken on the additional role of president/CEO of the organization. The season-opening concert, just in time for Halloween, is "Haunted Hall," with a a free family "sneaky" preview Oct. 23, and full concerts Oct. 24 and 25, all at the Lourdes High School auditorium. Tickets: 507-286-8742.
The Choral Arts Ensemble is going to open the season with the kind of concert that was such a hit last season: The Singer Showcase, highlighting the talents of individual members of the chorus, will be presented Sept. 25 and 26 at Zumbro Lutheran Church. The ensemble's second concert of the season will be "Music for the City of Healing," Nov. 7 and 8 at Assisi Heights. Tickets: 507-252-8427.
The new season gets off to a fast start for the Rochester Chamber Music Society, with "The Three Davids" (musicians David Shaffer-Gottschalk, David Kassler and David Townsend) Sept. 19, and "Cuartetos Mexicanos" Oct. 17, both at Christ United Methodist Church. Admission is free.
Americana Showcase concerts at Rochester Civic Theatre come around again with a songwriters-in-the-round show, featuring Derek Luttrell, Edward David Anderson and Brandon Sampson Sept. 23 at Rochester Civic Theatre. The Accidentals take the stage at the Oct. 28 concert, and Dead Man Winter performs on Nov. 23. Tickets: 507-282-8481.
Rochester Civic Theatre will also host a concert Sept. 21 by the mother-daughter duo of Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche. Tickets: 507-282-8481.
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The Riverside Live! concert series rolls out the heavy hitters for the fall season, starting with Herb Alpert and Lani Hall Oct. 2, and including Rosanne Cash Nov. 7. Also scheduled is the music/magic team of Igudesman & Joo on Oct. 21. All shows are at the Mayo Civic Center, with tickets at the box office and through Ticketmaster.
As usual, Mayo Civic Center has a variety of shows coming up this fall: Jay Leno Sept. 25, Ronnie Milsap Oct. 3, and Mary Chapin Carpenter Oct. 17. Tickets at the box office and through Ticketmaster.
The Lyra Baroque Orchestra, which brings international artists to Rochester, opens its five-concert season with "Two Bachs, Two Harpsichords" Sept. 18 at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester. 651-321-2214.
Don't forget music venues throughout the region, where surprises and new discoveries abound. For example, you'll want to catch the great Czech band Druha Trava Sept. 27 at Crossings at Carnegie in Zumbrota. Tickets: 507-732-7616. Or, how about singer/songwriter Al Stewart ("The Year of the Cat," "Time Passages") Sept. 19 at the Chatfield Center for the Arts? Tickets: 507-867-2927.
Meanwhile, the Sheldon Theater in Red Wing will host the legendary Arlo Guthrie for his Alice's Restaurant 50th anniversary tour Oct. 24. Tickets: 800-899-5759.
Also, keep an eye on upcoming concerts at the Oak Center General Store, and the Harmony for Mayo series held at noon every Monday on the Mayo Clinic campus.
