Hosted by composer Abbie Betinis, our popular Courtroom Concerts take place at noon most Thursdays in the Landmark Center in downtown Saint Paul. This series features accomplished musicians and composers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area, as well as occasional musical newcomers to the area. These one-hour concerts are free and open to the public.
2023-2024 Courtroom Concerts
Thursday, October 12, 2023, Courtroom 317
Clara Osowski, mezzo-soprano
Ahmed Anzaldúa, piano
Thursday, October 19, First Floor Cortile
Minnesota Opera Resident Artists
Thursday, October 26, First Floor Cortile
Choreo Borealis
Thursday, November 9, First Floor Cortile
Irina and Julia Elkina, duo piano
Thursday, November 16, Courtroom 317
Cléa Galhano, recorder
Don Livingston, harpsichord
Thursday, December 14: 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Landmark Center First Floor Cortile
Songs of the Season – Carols by Minnesota Composers
curated by Abbie Betinis
Carrie Henneman Shaw, soprano
Lux String Quartet
Thursday, January 4
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Artaria String Quartet – Bartók Quartet Cycle
Thursday, January 11
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Artaria String Quartet – Bartók Quartet Cycle
Thursday, January 18
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Artaria String Quartet – Bartók Quartet Cycle
Thursday, February 8
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Isles Ensemble
Thursday, February 15
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Gao Hong and Friends
Thursday, February 22
Landmark Center First Floor Cortile
ANCIA Saxophone Quartet
Thursday, February 29
Landmark Center First Floor Cortile
Third Coast Percussion
Thursday, March 7
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Osip Nikiforov, piano
Thursday, March 21
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Maria Jette, soprano
Stephanie Arado, violin
Sonja Thompson, piano
Thursday, April 4
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Rod Kelly Hines, baritone
Celeste Marie Johnson, piano
Thursday, April 11
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Ninebark Ensemble
Thursday, April 18
Landmark Center Courtroom 317
Alex Rodriguez, piano
Gaia Daniel, piano
Thursday, April 25
Landmark Center First Floor Cortile
Selby Brass Band
Thomasina Petrus, jazz vocalist
Westminster Hall
1200 S. Marquette Ave, Minneapolis
Friday, October 20
Minnesota Opera Resident Artists
Friday, November 10
Irina & Julia Elkina, duo Piano
Friday, January 12
Artaria String Quartet – Bartók Quartet Cycle
Friday, Febuary 23
ANCIA Saxophone Quartet
Courtroom Concert FAQ
Where should I park?
Street and ramp parking are available. The closest ramp is the Lawson Commons Ramp. The Science Museum parking ramp is also nearby and is $5 a day.
Why are they called Courtroom Concerts?
Our Courtroom Concerts series is named for its venue: the beautiful and historic Courtroom 317 in Landmark Center. Now used for meetings, performances, and rehearsals, Courtroom 317 is a part of Minnesota history. In the 1930’s, it hosted the trials of John Dillinger’s girlfriend, Evelyn Freschette, and those of Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, Doc Barker and Leon Gleckman.
Is it OK to arrive late?
Yes. If you arrive late, please enter the concert as quietly as possible and be respectful of the rest of the audience.
Do the concerts end promptly at 1:00?
The concerts are scheduled to end at 1pm, but they sometimes extend beyond this time. If you do need to leave before the concert concludes, please do so in a quiet and respectful manner.
Are there accessible entrances and seating?
Landmark Center is accessible for persons with mobility challenges. The accessible entrance is on Market Street, just off 6th Street (north east corner of building). Large print programs are available by contacting Schubert Club at least 24 hours in advance.
Concert Information
Concerts are currently being held in the Landmark Center Cortile on the 1st floor.
Select Thursdays at 12pm
FREE admission.
Schedule and programs subject to change.
About the Host
Abbie Betinis is a nationally recognized composer, writing music called “inventive” (The New York Times), “joyful… incandescent” (Boston Globe) and “beguiling” (BBC Music Magazine). A two-time McKnight Artist Fellow, and recognized by Musical America for her “ability to use her talents to effect social change,” she was adjunct professor of composition at Concordia University for over a decade, and composer-in-residence with the Schubert Club from 2005-2017, connecting and facilitating opportunities in new music. Abbie studied composition at St. Olaf College, the University of Minnesota, and the EAMA Nadia Boulanger Institute in Paris, France. She has hosted the Courtroom Concert Series since 2010.
Ticket Information
No ticket or reservation is required to attend. These concerts are free and seating is general admission. We do appreciate knowing ahead of time if you are bringing a group or have specific seating requirements.
Additional Information
Thank you to our supporters
Upcoming Courtroom Concerts
Concerts & Tickets
FREE Courtroom Concert: Selby Brass Band and Thomasina Petrus
Join us for a Courtroom Concert by the Selby Brass Band and Thomasina Patrus.