The 2026 Hauck Concert Series

Throughout our history, humans have sought to connect with nature on a deep, emotional level–and music is one way we do so. This touchpoint with the natural world can help us to reconnect to ourselves and others and to better comprehend the interconnectedness of our life on Earth.

Just as nature and gardens offer a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, smells and textures that can inspire and engage our senses, music captures our auditory sense through its melodies and rhythms, creating a powerful emotional impact. Together, the visual beauty of nature and the evocative power of music create a multi-sensory experience that is stimulating and deeply enjoyable.

That’s why we’re excited to collaborate with series curator Krista Cornish Scott, local music professionals and the vast student talent coming through the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) to offer a four-part annual series of musical performances based around Hauck Botanic Garden and the CGC’s mission to build community through gardening, education and environmental stewardship. This partnership will bring carefully curated, place-based performances to the CGC audience while showcasing the wealth of musical talent in Cincinnati and offering CCM students and young professionals unique, nature-focused opportunities to program and perform.

PRICING

• Through December 15, all four concerts in the series can be purchased together for a discounted series price of $125 (a $35 savings)! (Please note that ticket exchanges and partial refunds are not available on series tickets.)
• Starting December 16, any remaining tickets to individual concerts will be available for purchase; see pricing information for individual concerts below.

Concert 1: Percussive By Nature

DATE: Sunday, January 25, 3pm
COST: $35

Nature reverberates with percussion–from rain on the roof to cicadas in the trees to a woodpecker hammering away in the distance. For this first performance in the 2026 Hauck Concert Series, we’ll explore the interplay between human-made and natural percussion through unique works that range from literal to philosophical.

Recent CCM graduate Jacob Ottmer will perform works such as Elainie Lillios’s “After Long Drought,” in which different implements and electronic effects are used on the vibraphone to simulate being entrenched in a rainstorm; “Syntax of Snow” by Matthew Burtner, which combines amplified snow, a glockenspiel and an ambient soundtrack to evoke feelings of meditation in the composer’s home state of Alaska; and John Cage’s “Child of Tree,” which features amplified plant matter and symbolically represents Cage’s idea that all things come from natural beginnings.

Beer and wine will be available with a suggested donation.

Concert 2: 7 Last Words for the Earth

DATE: Sunday, April 19, 3pm
COST:$35

As Earth Day draws near, join us for a two-part event examining the state of our planet and the roles we play as part of its rich and tightly woven tapestry.

During the first half of the performance, professional choral ensemble Heri et Hodie and recent CCM graduate percussionist Jacob Ottmer will present Canadian composer Andrew Staniland’s deeply moving “7 Last Words for the Earth.” Performed with non-traditional staging, this concerto for women’s choir and percussion takes its name from the seven last words of Christ from the cross and sets an abstract text taken from a speech by Greta Thunberg. Through movements such as “Rage,” “Secrets,” “Rain,” “Hope” and “Words,” the piece urges us to pay attention while we still can. The performance will begin with a presentation about the music and its themes.

When the final notes have faded, we’ll hear from Mary Kroner, who uses her thoughtful weaving of stories, song and humor to open us to new ways of remembering that we are part of the natural world with vital roles to play. Hope comes from understanding our part in the working systems of our planet, giving us a way to participate; teaching Reverence is an important goal. Mary’s original works “X Marks The Spot” and “Welcome to the Ever Rotating Constantly Changing Circulating Mystical Earth Pageant” are past offerings made at the CGC and other settings.

Beer and wine will be available with a suggested donation.

Concert 3: Hildegard in the Garden

DATE: Sunday, September 27, 3pm
RAIN DATE: Sunday, October 4, 3pm
COST: $45

The twelfth-century composer, herbalist and mystic Hildegard von Bingen, while better known to modern audiences for her music, was a careful and scientific observer of the natural world, cataloguing and detailing the uses of herbs for both physical and mental wellbeing and finding solace and health in nature. In her expansive work Physica, we see a curious mind placing scientific inquiry within a theological framework of the goodness of creation.

Join us as we experience Hildegard’s soaring music while participating in simple activities that help us see the world through her eyes. After a brief introduction to Hildegard, we’ll break into three groups and make our way out into Hauck Botanic Garden to explore three stations, each with a performer offering a sampling of Hildegard’s music and an accompanying activity: herbs for health and herbal tea in the Herb Garden, an overview of botanical salve-making (sample included!) in the Food Forest, and creating a small piece of meditative personal art in the Tranquility Garden. Each group will have the opportunity to experience all three stations.

Please note that this event will be held outdoors. In the event of bad weather on September 27, the performance will be moved to October 4 at 3pm. We will be standing and walking a considerable amount during this event, occasionally over uneven or unpaved terrain. The Herb Garden and Tranquility Garden are accessible by mulched or paved path, but the Food Forest is more difficult to reach.

Concert 4: Gathering

DATE: Sunday, November 15, 3pm
COST: $45

For our final performance in the 2026 Hauck Concert Series, we’ll gather together in the CGC’s auditorium to hear beautiful string quartet music. Throughout the afternoon, we’ll share spiced wine and mulled cider, light bites, guided conversation and good company. At the end of the event, we’ll raffle off the one-of-a-kind centerpieces–all made by CGC Horticulturist Julie from garden findings–for lucky audience members to take home.

Each ticket includes one (1) drink ticket and light bites; additional beverages will be available with a suggested donation.