If you’re craving cozy right now, it’s time to don your favorite frilly hat and fancy waistcoat on January 31 for “An Evening in the Victorian Era,” an intimate gathering of music lovers, one chamber music orchestra, and a small batch of big community connection.
Featuring an all-female chamber ensemble, “An Evening in the Victorian Era” is part of the symphony’s Small Stages chamber music concert series that welcomes a much smaller audience to a more intimate orchestra experience you can’t find anywhere else.
Small Stages is a refresh of FMSO’s “Fun-Size” performances aimed at bringing musicians and audiences together in intimate spaces throughout our community and beyond, according to FMSO Executive Director Lucas Wood.
Capped at 45 attendees, “An Evening in the Victorian Era” is an excellent way to explore history and enjoy classical music.
An Evening in the Victorian Era
6:15 p.m., Saturday, January 31, doors at 7 p.m.
Fine Arts Club, 601 4th St. S., Fargo
Tickets $60, 21+
“Each performance creates a close, personal musical experience that highlights both the artistry of our musicians and the charm of the unique local venues we’ve partnered with,” Wood said. “It’s a great refresh to the chamber music experience.”
For “An Evening in the Victorian Era,” Wood said they hope the event resonates with community members looking for plenty of unique creative engagement.
The concert not only includes Victorian-era music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks, but audience members are invited to dress in their own period costumes of the time, though it’s not mandatory.
“Come as you’re comfortable,” Wood said.
Taking place at Fine Arts Club, 601 4th St. S., Fargo, the concert is truly set to scene in a building dedicated to the preservation of early American culture. Wood added that it’s important to FMSO’s mission to seek community collaboration and high quality engagement.
“Partnering with smaller spaces allows our audiences and musicians to be physically closer, heightening the experience of live performance,” he said. “Also, it brings the public to locations they might not otherwise experience to enjoy inspiring performances.”
The ensemble assembled for “An Evening in the Victorian Era” includes some recognizable orchestra musicians, including flutists Deb Harris and Jenny Poehls, cellist Elise Buffat Nelson and pianist Amy Mercer.
Musicians will highlight three prominent female composers of the time: Mel Bonis, Louise Ferrenc and Amy Beach. The concert will also include music by Elgar, Tchaikovsky and others.
“The concert promises to be a charming mix of sentimental pieces, dramatic pieces, and fun pieces,” said Wood.
Tickets to the 21+ event are limited to 60 attendees and include hors d’oeuvres, two beverages and plenty of connection.
Like other FMSO performances, ticket sales support roughly 40 percent of the nonprofit symphony’s annual operating budget, according to Wood, describing them as “vital for us in order to bring such talented local and regional musicians to the stage for our community to enjoy.”
More Small Stages concerts
In March, FMSO Small Stages performance includes a recital featuring two major works of chamber music: Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet Op. 115 and Mendelssohn’s Octet Op. 20.
The program brings together the local group Third Avenue String Quartet, a clarinet performance, and additional string players to create what Wood describes as “a rich, expressive afternoon of music.”
The venue is historically significant, too.
“The Synclaire was once home to the Fargo Music Conservatory,” Wood said, suggesting the symbolism of inviting chamber music lovers back into the building. “Today it is a beautifully updated historic venue that provides the perfect setting for this performance.”
Brahms and Mendelssohn at the Synclaire
Synclaire Events Venue, 613 1st Ave N, Fargo
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 2:00pm
$34 | Student $19
Beer, Brats and Brass
Brewhalla, 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo
Thursday, May 14th 2026 at 6:00pm
Ticket $34 | Student $19
“A fan favorite returns,” Wood said, echoing the community’s commitment to local art — and beer. “It’s an energetic evening of brass and percussion paired with brats, brews, and the lively vibe of Brewhalla. A fun way to close out the FM Symphony season,” Wood added.
Coming in February: ‘A’ Night at the Oscars’
For a larger-scale soiree, Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra and Fargo Theatre return with “A Night at the Oscars” on February 21 for another evening of Hollywood glamour and music.
Conducted by Jane Linde Capistran and hosted by Jordon Schroeer, this cinematic celebration features the voices of the FM Choral Artists and a tribute to Oscar-winning soundtracks.
A Night at the Oscars
7:30 p.m., February 21, Fargo Theatre
$44
