A “Spectacular” New Recording

Søndergård and MinnOrch release first album together

The Minnesota Orchestra is set to launch a new chapter in its long recording history with the November 14 release of its first album made under the direction of Music Director Thomas Søndergård—a CD featuring two works by Thomas Adès recorded live in concert in September 2024.

Released on the PENTATONE label, the disc includes the premiere recording of Adès’ The Exterminating Angel Symphony and, with soloist Leila Josefowicz, his Violin Concerto. Adès is among the most successful classical composers of our time, having written three operas that have been staged across the globe. He won a Grammy for a recording of The Tempest and was the youngest ever recipient of the prestigious Grawemeyer Award. He has long connections to both Søndergård and the Minnesota Orchestra.

“I first worked with Thomas Søndergård 20 years ago in Copenhagen on The Tempest and couldn’t imagine a finer pair of hands to entrust with this premiere recording of The Exterminating Angel Symphony,” Adès said. “And the Minnesota Orchestra was the first professional orchestra to perform my work in the United States, so it is especially touching to hear them play my music in this breathtaking recording.”

The new CD will be available starting November 14 at pentatonemusic.com, Amazon, through major retailers, online music streaming services and, for a limited time, in the Orchestra Hall lobby. Music Director Thomas Søndergård will do post-concert CD signings on November 14 and 22.

Learn more about the album here.