Rhapsody in Blue. EMSO will also perform Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, also known as the New World Symphony, inspired by the composer’s experiences in America in the 1890’s; and José Moncayo’s folk and dance music inspired Huapango. All EMSO concerts are free and admission is at the door. Donations in support of the orchestra’s work
Concerts
Very Merry & Bright
Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM North High School, 2416 11th Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55109 Join EMSO as the orchesta’s annual holiday concert returns with a new selection of seasonal favorites. The concert will feature old and new classics including Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and Christmas Festival; Katherine Kennicott Davis’ Carol of the
Symphonie Fantastique
Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2499 Helen Street North, North St. Paul, MN 55109 East Metro Symphony Orchestra (EMSO) is pleased to present Symphonie Fantastique. This concert will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2499 North Helen Street, North St.
Beethoven’s Sixth
Overture to L’italianan in Algeri; Alexander Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia; and Giovanni Bottesini’s Concerto 2 for Double Bass and Orchestra with a solo performance by EMSO bassist Travis Bruns. All EMSO concerts are free and admission is at the door.
Peter and the Wolf
Paul Dukas’ Fanfare from La Peri. The orchestra will also play Franz Schubert’s Ballet Music 1 & 2. In the second half the orchestra will present Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, the Russian folk tale told through the music with different instruments representing each character in the story. The story will be narrated by
Jingle Bells Forever
the style of The Stars and Stripes Forever; Irving Berlin’s classic White Christmas; selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite; Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and many other favorites, including the always popular Sing Along of Christmas classics. All EMSO concerts are free and admission is at the door.
Italian Symphony
The featured performance of this concert will be Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, commonly known as the Italian Symphony. Inspired by the country for which it is named, this piece is a bright and lively symphony that the composer described as “blue sky in A major.” The concert will also include performances of Roman Carnival
Pastoral
Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 3:00 PM St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2499 Helen Street North, North St. Paul, MN 55109 East Metro Symphony Orchestra (EMSO) is pleased to present Pastoral. The concert will be held Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 2499 Helen Street North, North St. Paul, MN.
Symphonie Espagnole
Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 3:00 PM King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125 East Metro Symphony Orchestra (EMSO) is pleased to present Symphonie Espagnole. The concert will be held Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN. Admission to this
Christmas Elegance
The orchestra will also perform several classical selections chosen to brighten holiday spirits, including selections from Handel’s Messiah, Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Suite, and Waldteufel’s The Skater’s Waltz. All EMSO concerts are free and admission is at the door.