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.
Concert 1: Percussive By Nature
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.
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.