Area Voices: Bemidji Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Musical Escapades’

By Andrew Dziengel

Published August 13, 2026 at 11:17 AM CDT

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra performing at a previous concert.

The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra presents “Musical Escapades” for their 2026 season. New executive director Mattea Elhard joins “Area Voices” to discuss what audiences can expect.

BEMDIJI — An orchestra performance is a team effort.

It isn’t just about the musicians; each performance includes a host of dedicated people working behind the scenes to keep the concerts running smoothly.

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Mattea Elhard is one of those people. After years of performing on stage, she joined the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra office in the summer of 2026.

Elhard, along with conductor and Music Director Beverly Everett, work with the orchestra’s board and volunteers to bring the concerts to life.

Elhard told Area Voices on the KAXE Morning Show, “I would say the audience also makes up the orchestra, because that's who we perform for.”

Contributed

Mattea Elhard

Mattea Elhard joins the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra office as executive director in summer of 2026.

She added, “I think being able to sit at an orchestra concert for an hour of your day and just calm down and really get into the music and not be distracted, have a focused listening session to music, I think, can really change you. It could be a life-changing experience.”

Elhard has been busy since joining the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra team. As executive director, she handles season ticket sales, donations and corresponding with members.

“Just kind of connecting people, setting things up, putting pieces where they need to go,” said Elhard.

Elhard has been a musician her whole life, and she is familiar with taking on leadership roles. She started playing with the orchestra ten years ago and became the stage manager about five years ago. When the executive director position opened, she applied.

She described it as a great ride ever since.

“We all hear, if you find the right job, it shouldn't feel like a job and that's exactly what this is. It's just a total passion project. It really hasn't felt like a day of work since I've started.”

The 2026-2027 Bemidji Symphony Orchestra concert season is “Musical Escapades”. It begins Saturday, Aug. 15, with “Places, People, It’s Showtime!” Guest artists Emily Walter will be joining the orchestra to lend her voice to popular Broadway tunes.

Tickets for the concert and upcoming performances are available at the door, Lueken’s Village Foods or at the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra downtown office space on Minnesota Ave. They are also available on their website.

Information about concerts and upcoming fundraising events like the return of the Bloody Mary Battle are available on Facebook.