Family activities: New in 2025, guests could stop by the Rochester Art Center’s patio for low-key, drop-in fun. Each week included a rotating mix of bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and other kid-friendly play items.
First-time performers: All five headliners were new to the Riverside stage this year, including Blind Melon, Caylee Hammack, and Hoobastank.
Introduction: Stile Antico is firmly established as one of the world’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles. Working without a conductor, its twelve mem
Intro Text
Tickets: $29 • $26.50 (Members) -- Stile Antico is firmly established as one of the world’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles. Working without a conductor, its twelve members have thrilled audiences throughout Europe and North America with their fresh, vibrant and moving performances of Renaissance polyphony. Its bestselling recordings on the Harmonia Mundi label have earned numerous accolades including the Gramophone Award for Early Music.
On Sunday, October 29 at 2:00PM (special matinee performance) in the Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall, the classical/rennaisance vocal ensemble STILE ANTICO. Sponsored by: KTTC
Stile Antico burst onto the musical scene in July 2005 with competition success at the York Early Music Festival, and in a single decade has established itself as one of the world's most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles.
In 2015, in celebration of the Stile Antico's first decade, the group’s record label (Harmonia mundi) invited each member to choose a favorite work from their recordings-to-date that they felt best represented an ideal introduction to Renaissance polyphony, and to Stile Antico’s work as a whole, (drawing on Stile Antico's already-formidable legacy of prize-winning recordings) to create a tenth anniversary compilation album entitled Sing with the Voice of Melody. WATCH - LISTEN
Stile Antico will be performing selections from this tenth anniversary compilation album, as well as other mouthwatering examples of polyphonic music from England and Continental Europe, at 2PM on Sunday, October 29th in the newly rejuvenated Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall . This will be the first non-amplified, acoustic performance in the Presentation Hall since its 2.2 million dollar transformational upgrade that includes acoustician approved room treatments and sound system, beautiful new stage lighting, and significantly more comfortable seating.
THE PROGRAM
William Byrd: Vigilate Robert Ramsey: Sleep, Fleshly Birth Orlando Gibbons: O Clap Your Hands Together Cristóbal de Morales: Jubilate Deo Tomás Luis de Victoria: O vos omnes John McCabe: Woefully Arrayed
Thomas Tallis: Gloria from Missa Puer natus est nobis Sebastián de Vivanco: Veni, dilecte mi Jacobus Clemens non Papa: Ego flos campi Byrd: Ecce virgo concipiet Tallis: In pace Huw Watkins: The Phoenix and the Turtle Thomas Tomkins: O Praise The Lord
About the Artists: Stile Anticois firmly established as one of the world’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles. Working without a conductor, its twelve members have thrilled audiences throughout Europe and North America with their fresh, vibrant and moving performances of Renaissance polyphony. Its bestselling recordings on the Harmonia Mundi label have earned accolades including the Gramophone Award for Early Music, Diapason d’or de l’année, Edison Klassiek Award, and Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, and have twice received Grammy® nominations.
Based in London, Stile Antico has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious venues and festivals. The group enjoys a particularly close association with the Wigmore Hall, and has appeared at the BBC Proms, Buckingham Palace, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Cité de la Musique, Palais des Beaux-Arts, and Luxembourg Philharmonie. Stile Antico isfrequently invited to perform at Europe’s leading festivals: highlights include the Lucerne Easter Festival, the Rheingau, Schleswig-Holstein and Wrocław Festivals and the Antwerp, Barcelona, Bruges, Granada, Utrecht and York Early Music Festivals.
Since making its North American debut at the Boston Early Music Festival in 2009, Stile Antico has enjoyed frequent tours to the US and Canada. The group performs regularly in Boston and in New York’s Music before 1800 and Miller Theatre series, and has appeared at Washington’s National Cathedral and Library of Congress, Vancouver’s Chan Centre, the Quebec Festival of Sacred Music, at Duke, Michigan, and Yale Universities, and in concert series spanning nineteen US states. In 2010, Stile Antico made its debut at the Cervantino festival in Mexico.
Stile Antico is renowned for the committed and expressive performances that arise from its uniquely collaborative style of working: members rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical results. The group is also noted for its intelligent programming, drawing out thematic connections between works to shine new light on Renaissance music. In addition to its core repertoire, Stile Antico has given world premieres of works by John McCabe, Huw Watkins, and, most recently, Nico Muhly, whose Gentle Sleep was written to mark the group’s tenth birthday. Stile Antico’s diverse range of collaborators includes Fretwork and the Folger Consort of viols, pianist Marino Fomenti, orchestra B’Rock, and Sting.
Alongside its concert and recording work, Stile Antico is passionate about sharing its repertoire and working style with the widest possible audience, and its masterclasses and workshops are much in demand. The group regularly leads courses at the Dartington International Summer School, and is often invited to work alongside ensembles at universities, festivals, and early music forums. The support of the charitable Stile Antico Foundation has enabled Stile Antico to expand its education work in schools, and to offer annual bursaries to talented young consort singers.
Highlights of Stile Antico’s 2016-7 season include a residency at BOZAR in Brussels, performances at the Wigmore Hall, Leipzig Gewandhaus and Bruges Concertgebouw, two vists to North America, and the conclusion of the group’s acclaimed Shakespeare400 tour. Stile Antico’s eleventh recording for Harmonia Mundi, featuring the unjustly neglected sacred music of Giaches de Wert, was released early in 2017.
Tickets available at Riverside Concerts in City Hall (walk-in or by phone, no handling fees), the Mayo Civic Center Box Office (walk-in, no handling fees), and Ticketmaster (online). Memberships and ticket packages can be purchased through Riverside Concerts only. Order by phone at 507-328-2200 or 800-657-3980 or in person at 201 4th St. SE, Suite 170 (City Hall). Group rates available.
Listen to the 2025 Season Sampler: Relive 2025's lineup with our curated Spotify playlist.
Alumni Playlist
Explore the artists who’ve helped shape Riverside over the years with our curated Spotify mix.
What is the Riverside Music Series?
This short video captures the spirit of the series.
Additional information
See below for answers to frequently asked questions.
Schedule & Start Times
The 2025 season ran from July 13 to August 10. The 2026 schedule will be announced in spring.
Concerts start at 7:00 p.m. Most shows wrap up by 9:30 or 10:00 p.m., making for a relaxed summer night downtown.
Come hungry! Food and beverage vendors begin serving at 6:00 p.m. Arrive early to grab dinner, find your spot, and enjoy the park before the music starts.
Location
All Riverside concerts take place in Mayo Park, right behind the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester. The park connects directly to city trails and walking paths.
Whenever you can, we encourage you to walk, bike, or roll to the shows. Walking or biking is especially convenient if you're coming from nearby, and a great way to enjoy the evening.
Note: This map reflects information about 2024. And updated 2025 map will be posted soon.
Directions & Parking
Mayo Park is connected to Rochester’s trail system and can be reached by foot, bike, or wheelchair, though conditions may vary by route. Whenever it works for you, we encourage you to walk or bike. Coming from close by? Walking or biking makes it easy, and sets the tone for a great evening.
Free parking is available on evenings and weekends in nearby City-owned ramps, surface lots, and metered street spots, all within walking distance of the park.
Accessible parking is available in all ramps, with additional designated spaces along Civic Center Drive, closest to the Mayo Civic Center entrance. From there, guests can access Mayo Park via level sidewalk and paved trail routes.
Every Riverside show is free and open to the public. No tickets. No sign-up. Just come and enjoy the music.
What to Bring
You're welcome to bring coolers, picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets. Many guests bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during the show.
Alcohol is allowed in the park. Please drink responsibly.
Grills are not permitted. Service animals are welcome, but we ask that pets stay home.
Seating
All seating is first come, first served. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to settle in and enjoy the show comfortably.
To keep the park welcoming for everyone, please don’t use ropes, stakes, or other items to block off space.
Restrooms
Indoor restrooms are available inside the Mayo Civic Center. Look for entrances on either side of the stage at Doors 16 and 19.
We also provide portable restrooms in Mayo Park for convenience, including at least one larger unit intended for accessible use at each event.
If you have specific accessibility needs, please visit our Accessibility page or contact us in advance so we can help you plan a safe and comfortable visit.
Food & Drink
Each week, a rotating lineup of local food trucks and beverage vendors will be onsite starting at 6:00 p.m. Options vary by week and usually include meals, snacks, and drinks.
You're also welcome to bring your own picnic or cooler if you prefer.
Weather Policy
The Riverside Music Series happens rain or shine. If rain is in the forecast, we recommend bringing a poncho instead of an umbrella to help keep sightlines clear for others.
If lightning, high winds, or other unsafe conditions occur, performances may be delayed, shortened, or canceled. Event staff monitor the forecast closely and will respond as needed to keep everyone safe.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed in the park during Riverside events.
Accessibility & Guest Services
We aim to make every Riverside concert welcoming and accessible to all guests. CART (real-time captioning) is available at every show, and staff are on site to help with wayfinding, questions, or guest support.
To follow along with live captions, scan the QR code in the park or visit
streamtext.net/player on your phone or tablet.
For more details on physical accessibility, sensory supports, or parking options, visit our
Accessibility page.
Family Activities
In 2025, Rochester Art Center provided free, drop-in play activities on their patio during the concerts. Activities varied by week and included fun items like bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and jump ropes. Activities were free and open to all.
Giveaways
Giveaways will return in 2026. Details announced with the lineup in spring.
Meet & Greets
Backstage passes will return in 2026. Details announced with the lineup in spring.
Soliciting & Campaigning
The Riverside Music Series takes place in a public park and is open to everyone.
While this is a shared community space, we ask that individuals and organizations refrain from campaigning, soliciting, or distributing materials during the event.
Our goal is to keep the atmosphere music-focused, welcoming, and free from pressure. Thank you for helping us make the park a place to relax, connect, and enjoy the evening together.
Vendor Opportunities
Rochester Public Music partners with the Mayo Civic Center to coordinate food and beverage vending for the Riverside Music Series.
Vendors interested in participating should apply directly through the Mayo Civic Center’s process.
The Riverside Music Series is funded primarily by the City of Rochester. Support from sponsors, funders, and community partners helps us grow the series, welcome more people, and keep the music free and accessible for all.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.