Nancy Lindahl’s Tenure as Board Chair Culminates with Significant Gift Commitment to Minnesota Orchestra

Auditorium inside Orchestra Hall to be renamed Lindahl Auditorium in honor of the philanthropic generosity of Nancy and John Lindahl 

Board elects William Miller to succeed Nancy Lindahl as chair 

Minnesota Orchestra Board Chair Nancy E. Lindahl and her husband John have made public their $15 million commitment to the Orchestra. The news was shared yesterday at the final Board meeting of the Orchestra’s 2024-25 season, which marked the conclusion of Lindahl’s tenure as chair. In honor of the Lindahl’s generosity, the performance auditorium inside Orchestra Hall will be renamed the Lindahl Auditorium starting this fall. The Board also elected William P. Miller as incoming chair and a slate of new Board directors.  

“Serving as Board chair is a great honor and responsibility,” said Miller. “I am inspired by the mission of the Orchestra and the dedication of its musicians—who train their entire lives to be on the Orchestra Hall stage. I look forward to our collaborative work among Board, staff and musicians to grow and strengthen the Orchestra’s artistic and civic roles. Finally, I want to thank Nancy Lindahl for her vision, generosity and absolute dedication. She and John truly define what it means to lead by example.” 

The Lindahl’s philanthropy encompasses their support of the Orchestra in key areas: exceptional contributions toward artistic programming in recent seasons, their philanthropic leadership for the Upper Harbor Terminal Amphitheater project, and their commitment to strengthen the organization’s endowment.

Said Interim President and CEO Brent Assink: “Nancy Lindahl has committed herself fully to the Minnesota Orchestra during her time as chair—and beyond. I have rarely seen a leader as willing to engage in nonstop advocacy on behalf of an organization as Nancy. Passionate leadership is a hallmark of her tenure, and her conviction and belief in the importance of the Orchestra naturally ignites that same spark in others. Her positive influence is difficult to overstate. Nancy and John Lindahl stand out, even in a very generous community, as exceptional philanthropic champions, and we are honored the Orchestra Hall auditorium will carry their name.”  

Lindahl—who joined the Board in 1998 and was named a Life Director in 2016—was elected Board chair in January 2023. She led the organization through major artistic and administrative transitions, including the arrival of Thomas Søndergård as music director (September 2023), the announcement of Isaac Thompson as incoming president and CEO (July 2025) and the appointment of Assink as interim president and CEO (September 2024). Lindahl was also the major force in establishing a consortium of philanthropists who raised the private funds needed to secure the Upper Harbor Terminal Amphitheater, a project that received full City approval last week and will break ground in the fall. Alongside First Avenue, the Orchestra will provide operational oversight at the venue.

“The Minnesota Orchestra has meant the world to me since I was a child attending Orchestra concerts at Northrop Auditorium with my parents,” said Nancy Lindahl. “The Orchestra contributes immensely to our state through high-caliber musicianship, music education and community partnerships, and we want to keep this cultural touchstone strong and vital. It’s thrilling to see Thomas Søndergård connect with our audiences so deeply this early in his tenure, and we are excited about the possibilities that lay ahead as he and our wonderful musicians are joined by incoming President Isaac Thompson this fall. There will always be pressures in the arts, and we need philanthropic support to keep the flame lit for future generations.” 

“Bravo, Nancy and John,” said Music Director Thomas Søndergård. “One of the many things that initially drew me to the Minnesota Orchestra is the obvious care that the community shows toward it, and the Lindahls beautifully demonstrate what that means. I will be proud to lead our September season opening concerts in the Lindahl Auditorium.” 

Said Principal Bass Kristen Bruya, “Musicians appreciate Nancy’s endless energy and enthusiasm, how present she is at concerts and events, and how she is always advocating to bring new supporters and audience members into the circle. She cares about us as people and she protects this institution, and we are deeply grateful for the value she and John place on art and music.”

New Board Chair, New Board members

On September 1, 2025, William Miller will begin a two-year term as chair, succeeding Nancy Lindahl in the role. Miller joined the Orchestra Board in 2016 and has served in multiple roles, including as chair of the Audit Committee, treasurer and vice chair. He and his wife Katie were co-chairs of the Symphony Ball in 2020/2021. Previously serving on the board of directors for the Washburn Center for Children and the Blake School, Miller is a partner at EY. 

The newly elected class of Board members are Adam Duininck, Laurie Greeno, John Junek, Clay Rudolph, Breia Schleuss, Katie Simpson, Mimi Stake, Walter Tambor, Amy J. Braford Whittey and Aks Zaheer.

PRESS CONTACTS

Gwen Pappas, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations 
gpappas@mnorch.org

Alexandra Robinson, Content and Communications Manager
arobinson@mnorch.org