Concert Experiences Give More
A benefit of living in a large Metropolitan area is the opportunity to experience the arts. This was especially important to Maestro's Circle members John and Ruth Bergerson when they moved to the Twin Cities in 1991. They were thrilled at the opportunity to attend Minnesota Orchestra concerts.

John and Ruth Bergerson

"There is something direct and unique about live performances," say John and Ruth. "Each concert experience gives you something unique that you can't get sitting at home listening to your CDs."

It is because of donor support that the Minnesota Orchestra is able to hire world class guest artists and musicians - the Orchestra is our state's largest employer of musical talent.

A Concert Together
George Holden, Chairman of Holden Graphic Services, recently brought his 13-year-old daughter Allie to a Minnesota Orchestra concert. He enjoys bringing his daughter to concerts because classical music encourages her to expand her horizon beyond the music she listens to everyday.

Allie enjoys attending concerts. That night she especially enjoyed Haydn's Farewell Symphony because it was fun to watch as the musicians slowly left the stage. The music was great and it was wonderful to spend quality time with Dad.

With support from donors like George Holden, the Minnesota Orchestra will continue financially strong and is destined to provide many more years of great classical music. Someday, Allie might be bringing her own children to Orchestra Hall.

Usher Extraordinaire
In addition to making a very generous annual gift, Charlie Johnson also donates time as a Minnesota Orchestra usher. He has been helping patrons find their seats for more than twenty years. Charlie feels a deep sense of commitment to the mission of the Orchestra, a sense that he expresses through his ushering responsibilities and through his contribution. "I feel that I am doing my part to help an arts organization that I believe in. The Orchestra truly enhances the quality of life in Minnesota, so I get a sense of personal reward in knowing that I can help support this wonderful institution."

Ann and Dan Bros have been lifelong supporters and patrons of the Minnesota Orchestra. Growing up in Edina, these Minnesota natives have relied on the Orchestra for their music—from their early childhood experiences at Young People's Concerts in Northrop Auditorium to their current Wednesday night subscription series at Orchestra Hall.

"I fondly recall Young People's Concerts. We went with our school to the University of Minnesota campus. It was such an exciting experience," remembers Ann.

"Our parents were committed to enhancing the cultural community in Minnesota and they worked to instill a strong sense of community in us. Today Dan and I are equally as committed to supporting the Orchestra into its next century.

"We believe in this not only through our financial commitment, but also through our purchase of season subscriptions. We want to help keep music a part of our lives and the lives of our grandchildren."

"My parents worked to instill in their children the concept of good stewardship, and the knowledge that society's great institutions need a continuous stream of dedicated people willing to share their time and money. They wanted us to know that giving in this way can be fulfilling personally, too. "