2026 Mini-Season

Help Build DUO’s Most Ambitious Community Season Yet 🎻

In early 2026, the Driftless Urban Orchestra will bring a bold, multi-part music experience to La Crosse — connecting young learners, families, and music lovers through behind-the-scenes learning, hands-on exploration, and professional performances.

This mini-season includes two anchor programs:

The Children’s Music Lab: Rug Concert & Rehearsals at the La Crosse Children’s Museum
A month-long residency that gives kids and families a behind-the-scenes look at how an orchestra creates music — from how instruments work and musicians rehearse, to how a performance comes together. Each session features a rehearsal open to all museum patrons and culminates with a final Rug Concert, a family-friendly performance where children can see, hear, and explore music up close at the end of the month.

The May Concert at Cappella Performing Arts Center
Our biggest concert yet, featuring the largest ensemble the Driftless Urban Orchestra has ever assembled, bringing together local and regional musicians to perform Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring alongside music by contemporary composer Kimberly Osberg. This performance will showcase DUO’s artistic growth while delivering a high-quality musical experience for the La Crosse community.

Together, these programs create a powerful arc — from children’s first experiences with music to a full concert hall — expanding access to the arts and strengthening our local cultural community.

To make this mini-season possible, we are raising $11,000 to support musicians, venues, music, outreach, and program costs.

Your gift helps ensure that live, local music remains vibrant and accessible in the Driftless Area — for children, families, and the wider community.