Symphony Orchestra fundraiser on March 21
Not a week goes by in Winona without some mention of the deep-rooted musical traditions of this city. Winona is known throughout the world for both musical publishing and manufacturing of state-of-the art musical instruments. Internationally known musical artists perform in Winona, which is now home to a number of annual music festivals.
Two Winona musical powerhouses were started in the early 20th century. The first performance of the Winona Municipal Band was in 1915, but many people in Winona are less aware of the expansion into live symphonic music in 1907. Formed under the auspices of the “Musical Literary Society of Winona,” a new orchestra held its first concert on April 29, 1908, at the Winona Opera House, where the newly named Winona Symphony Orchestra (WSO) continued to play to sold-out audiences. Described as a man of music, passion, and temper, violinist Carl Ruggles led the orchestra from 1907 until 1912. Later a groundbreaking modernist composer, Ruggles would also become friends with artist Rockwell Kent.
As early as 1910, the WSO expanded its activities, performing its first Children’s Concert in February of that year. The Great Depression took a toll on the WSO, which curtailed its musical productions in the mid-1930s. The WSO was revived in 1965 under the auspices of Winona State University, and the WSO brought back its Children’s Concert.
Since 2018, the WSO has been under the leadership of conductor, violinist, and educator Dr. Erik Rohde. The professional musicians of the WSO are based in Winona and the surrounding region. Depending on the piece performed, they are sometimes joined by internationally acclaimed guest artists. The annual Children’s Concert, offered free to grade-school-aged children in the Winona area, is a top priority for Dr. Rohde and the WSO. Every year, buses bring some 1,000 excited students to the Winona Middle School for one of two performances. Many of these students have commented that the Children’s Concert is the first time they attended a live performance of any type of music. Even during COVID, the WSO arranged for a concert to be livestreamed to schools, reaching nearly 1,500 students.
This year’s Children’s Concert, recommended for students in grades 2-5, will be held on Tuesday, February 24. It will feature “The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant” by Francis Poulenc and the “Overture to The Barber of Seville” by Gioachino Rossini. The concert is also open to homeschooled children. For more information, please contact admin@winonasymphony.org.
Since 2022, the WSO has also performed “pop-up concerts” in local schools, as part of its “Music in the Schools” program. All of the WSO’s educational outreach is funded through grants, as well as the generous donations of corporate and individual sponsors. Support the WSO by attending “Symphony on Wheels,” a unique fundraiser on March 21, 2026, at the Remlinger Car Museum, 3650 Service Drive, in Winona/Goodview. Event tickets (single for $85 or table of 6 for $500) include a drink ticket and are available at winonasymphony.org. Doors open at 5 p.m. for beverages and small bites. At 6 p.m., a gourmet dinner will be served buffet style by Chef’s Table, and a string trio will provide music during dinner. Throughout the evening, guests may tour the museum and bid on silent auction items. Seating is limited, and reservations are requested by March 2, so please consider supporting the WSO at this fun event.