By Rob Hubbard
Special to the Pioneer Press

It’s an autumn in limbo for classical music fans who rely on the Minnesota Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra to provide their destination concerts. With both ensembles’ musician contracts expiring Sept. 30, there’s a possibility no new deals will mean no concerts come October.

Even if that happens, there will still be plenty of great classical music and opera to be enjoyed this fall. Some of the world’s most renowned artists will visit for recitals, choral and chamber concerts. Here are some of the most promising performances:

VocalEssence with Helmuth Rilling

Oct. 19: Helmut Rilling is a legendary choral conductor who founded and led the Oregon Bach Festival for decades and brought several other Bach ensembles into being around the world. Rilling will lead the singers of VocalEssence and an orchestra in works by romantic composers from his native Germany, including Felix Mendelssohn, Brahms and Anton Bruckner. 8 p.m.; Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul; $30-$10; 612-371-5656 or vocalessence.org.

Schola Cantorum Coralina with VocalEssence

Nov. 10-11: Considering how limited are cultural exchanges between Cuba and the U.S., what a treat that VocalEssence is able to bring in a choir from that Caribbean nation that is reportedly spellbinding and exhilarating. While renowned for concerts elsewhere, these mark the group’s U.S. debut. House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Ave., St. Paul; $40-$20; 612-371-5656 or vocalessence.org.